Vermicelli Cooked In Tomato Sauce
Vermicelli cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and a hint of spice, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 medium cloves garlic, peeled and minced ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can peeled and diced tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. low sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 c. dry red wine or vermouth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped fresh basil or parsley ⓘ
- 6 oz. vermicelli pasta, broken in half ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the peeled and minced garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the undrained peeled and diced tomatoes, chicken broth, red wine, sugar, cayenne pepper, and chopped basil to the skillet. Bring to a boil.
- Add the broken vermicelli pasta to the boiling mixture.
- Cover and cook at low boil for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta has softened.
- Season with freshly ground pepper to taste.
- Garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. For a heartier dish, add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. If you like a bit more spice, increase the cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes. This dish is reminiscent of Italian recipes that celebrate simple yet bold flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the vermicelli in tomato sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For added protein, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp. This dish also pairs beautifully with Italian Spaghetti Chicken for a delicious family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vermicelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or reheat gently in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vermicelli Cooked In Tomato Sauce contains roughly 1002 calories, with 46g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (266% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 699mg per serving (30% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute vermicelli with other pasta types like angel hair or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta instructions, as different shapes may require varying cooking durations to achieve the perfect texture.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. The flavors will still be rich and delicious without the meat and dairy.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cook the vermicelli fresh when you're ready to serve to ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy. Combine them just before serving for optimal texture.
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).