Perfect Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe? This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce is sure to become one of your go-to dishes. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish will impress both family and friends.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of pasta (any type: spaghetti, fusilli, penne)
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Cheese for garnish (Parmesan or Mozzarella works well)

Instructions

To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well when finished cooking.

Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce. Peel and seed the tomatoes by cutting them in half, scooping out the seeds with a small spoon, then finely chop the flesh.

Slice the garlic cloves and thinly slice the onion. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent and soft.

Add the sliced garlic and cook for another minute or two, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once the garlic is fragrant but not browned, add the chopped tomatoes and let them simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Once your pasta has drained, return it to the pot. Toss with the fresh tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper according to taste. If desired, sprinkle oregano over the top of the dish just before serving.

To finish, garnish each portion with a generous helping of grated cheese for that extra burst of flavor and creaminess. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Cooking Time

The total preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, including cooking the pasta and simmering the sauce.

Number of Servings

This recipe yields about 4 servings as a main course. However, it can be easily doubled or halved depending on your needs.

Tips for Success

1. Always use fresh ingredients when possible to ensure the best flavor and quality.
2. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with some water before adding it to the simmering tomatoes. This will help thicken the sauce slightly without affecting its texture too much.
3. For those who want less acidity in their dish but still enjoy the taste of fresh tomatoes, consider using canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. Be sure to drain and lightly crush them before adding them to the pan with garlic and onions.

Variations & Substitutions

This classic pasta recipe can be adapted in various ways to suit different dietary preferences or taste buds:

• Meat lovers: Add a cup of ground beef, Italian sausage links, or any other meat of your choice along with the garlic and onions. Let it brown before incorporating the tomatoes.
• Vegan version: Forgoing the cheese is easy; simply use plant-based alternatives like nutritional yeast instead for extra flavor.
• Allergen awareness: Replace Parmesan cheese with a suitable alternative or omit it entirely. Some people might also opt to replace butter with olive oil in this recipe, although that may slightly alter the taste profile.

Closing Thoughts

Pasta with fresh tomato sauce is more than just comfort food; it's an easy yet flavorful dish that can be customized and enjoyed by virtually everyone. From novice cooks to seasoned chefs, this versatile recipe offers endless possibilities for personalization while delivering exceptional taste every time.