Tomato Garlic Pasta Quick Easy
This Tomato Garlic Pasta recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta with sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant garlic.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or pot
- Colander
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta spaghetti, linguine, penne
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- ½ cup dry white wine optional
- ½ cup chopped onion optional
- Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage optional
- Fresh spinach or kale optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- If using onion, add it to the skillet with the garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the wine simmer for a minute or two until it reduces slightly.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato garlic sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water is starchy and will help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- If adding any optional ingredients like cooked chicken, shrimp, sausage, spinach, or kale, stir them in now and cook until heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce!
Notes
Don't overcook the garlic. Use good-quality tomatoes. Salt the pasta water generously. Reserve pasta water. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Try variations like Spicy Tomato Garlic Pasta (add extra red pepper flakes), Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta (stir in heavy cream), or Tomato Garlic Pasta with Vegetables (add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms).