Simply Pasta(Makes 4 To 8 Servings)
Simply Pasta is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring rich tomato sauce, melted Havarti cheese, and fresh basil, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Ingredients
- 6 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 3 (28 oz.) cans Italian plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried, crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cubes chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 1 lb. penne or rigatoni ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. packed, grated Havarti cheese ⓘ
- 1 small (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Mix in Italian plum tomatoes, dried basil, chicken bouillon cubes, and crushed red pepper.
- Bring to a boil, breaking up tomatoes with the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to medium; simmer until the mixture thickens into a chunky sauce and reduces to 6 cups, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper. Can be made 2 days ahead.
- Cover and chill.
- Rewarm over low heat before serving.
- Cook penne or rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain pasta and combine with the sauce.
- Stir in grated Havarti cheese, sliced ripe olives, grated Parmesan, and chopped fresh basil before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or substituting some Havarti with mozzarella. If you prefer a vegetarian option, replace the chicken bouillon with vegetable bouillon. For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This dish is versatile; feel free to use other pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Simply Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Basil Linguine, offering a delightful mix of flavors. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Simply Pasta(Makes 4 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 495 calories, with 20g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! You'll need about 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and use in place of the canned tomatoes. The flavor will be fresher and more vibrant, perfect for summer dishes.
What can I substitute for Havarti cheese?
If you can't find Havarti cheese, you can use mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a similar creamy texture. Alternatively, a sharp cheddar can add a different flavor profile, but it may alter the overall taste of the dish slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply rewarm it before mixing with the pasta. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).