Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Tomatoes

This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a quick, healthy, and satisfying dinner option. The keyword “pasta with tomatoes” not only highlights the main ingredients but also suggests a versatile dish that can be customized in many ways.

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 250g of spaghetti pasta
• 3 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced thinly
• Extra virgin olive oil – 4 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnishing)

Instructions:

Start by boiling the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions until it reaches your desired al dente consistency. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes but you should check periodically as different brands may vary slightly.

In a large saucepan or skillet, heat up two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add in the minced garlic along with sliced onions. Stir occasionally while allowing them to gently sauté until they turn translucent but not browned.

Once the onions are soft enough, proceed by adding three chopped tomatoes into the pot. At this point, reduce heat slightly so that you maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook down for around 10-15 minutes allowing all flavors to meld together nicely. Season with salt and pepper as needed during this process.

While your sauce is cooking, drain the cooked pasta making sure not to rinse off any excess water; this helps prevent clumping later on when you combine both ingredients. Drain but reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before serving if desired.

Mix everything together – the pasta, tomatoes and onions in a large mixing bowl or straight into the saucepan from earlier where you can toss it around gently until every strand is coated uniformly with the flavorful tomato mixture. If needed add more olive oil or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. You may also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over top along with fresh chopped basil leaves.

The dish is now ready! Serve immediately while hot alongside a side salad, garlic bread rolls, or simply enjoy as it is for an elegant meal that’s both comforting and impressive. This pasta with tomatoes can easily be made ahead of time up to two days in advance; just keep refrigerated until ready to reheat.

Experimentation is key when cooking, feel free to adjust the amount of spices used or even add different types of cheeses like mozzarella for a creamier texture. You could also include other vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach if preferred. This versatile recipe allows you to tailor it according to your taste preferences while still delivering on flavor and ease-of-preparation.

Final Thoughts:

Pasta with tomatoes is a classic Italian dish that never goes out of style. It’s easy enough for beginners yet flavorful enough to impress guests. Whether enjoyed for lunch or dinner, this meal offers a delightful balance between simplicity and richness in flavor. With its ability to be customized according to individual tastes, pasta with tomatoes continues to remain popular among food enthusiasts everywhere.