Easy Homemade Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

This article will guide you through creating a delicious homemade pasta dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. The keyword in this recipe is "fresh tomato sauce," which is essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta type
• 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Parmesan cheese or other preferred grated cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

To start your delicious pasta dish, begin by preparing the tomato sauce.

1. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once it is warm but not yet hot enough to smoke, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until golden brown but not burnt.
2. Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and stir occasionally until the onions become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the peeled and chopped tomatoes. Crush them slightly with a fork or your hands while adding them into the saucepan. Season with salt to taste and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until you achieve your desired thickness. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust seasonings as necessary.
4. While the tomato sauce is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions but undercook by around one minute since the final dish will be cooked in the sauce. Drain when done, reserving some of the pasta water for later if needed.

Serving Suggestions:

• To serve, gently toss the pasta with your homemade tomato sauce until it is evenly coated and slightly saucy.
• Plate each serving on a large plate or individual bowls. You can garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness if you like.
• If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for that rich umami flavor.

The combination of these simple yet high-quality ingredients creates a meal that is both nutritious and comforting. The pasta adds to the heartiness while the fresh tomato sauce brings brightness and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully well with a side salad or garlic bread, but it's also perfect as a standalone dinner.

If you have leftovers, this pasta can be enjoyed cold for lunch the next day. Just toss it in a bowl with more olive oil, additional Parmesan cheese if desired, and perhaps a bit of fresh basil to refresh the flavors.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor; they should yield slightly when pressed lightly but not be overly soft. If your tomatoes are very juicy, you may need less pasta water or even an extra tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• The garlic and onions give depth to this dish. Use more or less according to your taste preference. Some people prefer a stronger garlicky flavor; if that's you too, consider letting the garlic sit in oil for about 10 minutes before using it. It will mellow out the raw garlic flavor into a sweet, almost caramelized aroma.
• For those who like their tomatoes with a little kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate your dish. You may also mix in a bit of fresh oregano or thyme for an authentic Italian touch.

This homemade pasta recipe is not only easy to follow but also highly customizable based on personal tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're cooking for yourself, family members, or friends, this dish will be appreciated by everyone at the table.