pasta al pomodoro recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best pasta al pomodoro recipe

Pasta al pomodoro is a classic Italian recipe that has been a staple in my household for years. I love how it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. My family and I have enjoyed this recipe on countless occasions, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Christmas.

One of the things I appreciate most about pasta al pomodoro is its health benefits – the tomatoes provide a burst of vitamin C, while the garlic and olive oil add antioxidants and flavor without adding extra calories. As an added bonus, this recipe is also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein sources to make it suit your taste preferences.

My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and mixing the sauce, making it a fun and interactive experience for the whole family. In fact, my kids have even started calling this dish ‘special sauce pasta,’ which always gets them excited to dig in.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a new recipe to try out, pasta al pomodoro is an excellent choice – so let’s dive into the world of Italian cooking and explore this delightful dish further.

Pasta al Pomodoro

4.9 from 1805 votes

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring a simple, flavorful tomato sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely chopped
1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4Keep 1 cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
5While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
6Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion.
7Sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan.
9Stir well to combine.
10Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
12Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
13If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
14Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
15In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti and the tomato sauce.
16Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
17If needed, add a bit more pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
18Serve pasta al pomodoro immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
19Enjoy your homemade classic Italian dish.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Colander
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes. You can also add cooked ground meat or vegetables to the sauce for extra protein or nutrition.

Watch Video Of How Pasta al Pomodoro Works

One thing I love about pasta al pomodoro is its versatility when it comes to storage and reheating ideas. You can easily portion out leftovers into individual containers for future meals or freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

When reheating, simply place the frozen portions in boiling water for 5-7 minutes or until hot through – voilà! It’s also an excellent candidate for meal prep since it reheats beautifully without losing its flavors and textures.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta al Pomodoro

Q: What type of pasta should I use for pasta al pomodoro?

The traditional choice for pasta al pomodoro is penne or other tube-shaped pasta. This shape allows the sauce to cling to the noodles evenly, making each bite perfectly coated in that delicious tomato goodness.

Q: Can I use fresh or canned tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes are always preferred, canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative when fresh ones are out of season or not readily available. Just make sure to choose high-quality canned tomatoes with no added salt or preservatives.

Q: How do I ensure my garlic doesn’t burn during cooking?

To prevent garlic from burning, sauté it in olive oil until fragrant but still slightly raw-looking – then proceed with adding your tomatoes. This way, you’ll avoid any bitter flavors from overcooked garlic.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to make this recipe more substantial?

Pasta al pomodoro pairs beautifully with various protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian options like roasted eggplant or zucchini. Feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!

Q: What if I don’t have homemade broth; can I use store-bought broth instead?

Avoid using low-sodium broth as it may alter the flavor profile of your dish. Instead, opt for low-sodium broth or even better – make your own broth from scratch using vegetable scraps and herbs for added depth of flavor.

Similar Posts