Description
Tomato and Garlic Pasta is a classic Italian dish that brings together the simplicity of tomatoes and garlic in a quick, delicious meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz or 400 g) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh, chopped tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet, stir, and cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and oregano (if using). Simmer for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Cook for an additional minute on low heat.
- Serve with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Salting the pasta water enhances the flavor of the pasta.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can become bitter.
- For a richer taste, finish with a dollop of butter or a sprinkle of cheese just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if using canned tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Tomato and Garlic Pasta, garlic pasta, tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick Italian pasta, weeknight dinner pasta, pasta with garlic and tomato