There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of cooked pasta with tomato sauce. This classic dish, beloved by many across the world, is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal on a lazy afternoon, pasta with tomato sauce never disappoints. It’s the perfect balance of tender pasta and a savory, tangy sauce that’s sure to please anyone at the table.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. To start, you need a good quality pasta – spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, it’s your choice. The pasta is boiled in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, firm to the bite but still soft enough to absorb the sauce. This is the base of the dish and where the flavor begins.
For the tomato sauce, nothing beats a homemade sauce made from fresh ingredients. Olive oil is heated in a pan and sautéed with minced garlic until fragrant. Then, fresh or canned tomatoes are added, along with a pinch of salt, a dash of sugar to balance the acidity, and a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil for a touch of Italian flair. The sauce is simmered until it thickens and the flavors meld together, creating a rich, savory, and slightly sweet sauce. If you like a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or just crush the tomatoes to your liking.
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, it’s tossed in the warm tomato sauce. The sauce clings to the pasta, creating a perfectly balanced bite of savory goodness with each mouthful. For extra flavor, you can finish it with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Cooked pasta with tomato sauce is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a versatile, satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as-is or customized with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo meal, it’s a timeless recipe that never goes out of style.

Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 ounces
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- parmesan cheese for serving, grated
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
I was skeptical about the fuss but ended up enjoying it. It’s a bit bland without meat. Maybe add some sausage? 🤔
Anyone else forgot to add the salt? It was just pasta with red stuff 😕.
I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more salt next time?
Yum! So good! I added some red pepper flakes for heat. Really enhanced the flavor!
I followed this recipe exactly and it turned out bland. Maybe too much tomato? Not sure I’ll make it again.
Perfect! Just like grandma used to make! 👩🍳❤️
Perfect for busy weeknights! Quick and satisfying.
This is the best pasta sauce ever! My kids loved it. Will definitely make again.
Best pasta sauce? Really? I tried this and it was just okay. Kinda bland for my taste.
I agree! This sauce is a game changer! My family devoured it in minutes.
This was super easy to make and my kids loved it! Will definitely be making again.
I tried it too! My family loved it! Kids were even asking for seconds. Great recipe!
Sounds easy, but I don’t think my kids will eat tomatoes…they’re picky eaters. 😕
4 out of 5! The sauce was great, but I think I overcooked the pasta a little. Next time I’ll watch it better.
Yum! Restaurant-quality pasta right in my kitchen. I can’t believe how easy it was! 10/10!
I totally agree! This was super simple and tasted amazing. I added some chili flakes for a kick!
Are you sure it’s restaurant-quality? Looks kinda basic to me. I think a little more spice might help.
Pasta? More like blah-sta! I didn’t like the texture at all.
I don’t think this is real pasta. Where are the gluten-free options?
I dunno, pasta is pasta! They just make it with wheat, ya know? What’s gluten-free anyway?
I get your point! Gluten-free pasta is definitely gaining popularity. Maybe try chickpea or zucchini noodles next time?
This is like what my grandma used to make but without the meat! Nostalgic! So good, thanks!
Looks good, but I think it needs meat. Without it, isn’t it just plain pasta?
So glad it brings back memories! It’s amazing how food can connect us to the past. Enjoy!
This pasta with tomato sauce is amazing! So simple and delish! I added some red pepper flakes for a kick.
Turned out great! My kids loved it, and it was quick to make. Will definitely make this again. Thanks!
This recipe is so easy and delicious! The tomatoes really bring out the flavor. 5 stars from me!
Could you make this in the microwave or nah? Asking for a friend.
I don’t know, it was too bland for me. Maybe add some chili flakes?
I don’t like tomatoes… so this wasn’t for me. I guess if you like pasta and tomatoes it’d be good?
Too much onion for my taste. I guess not everyone likes that, but I could barely taste the tomato.
Pasta sauce just seems like a can of spaghetti sauce. Not impressed. But I ate it. 😐
I dunno, it turned out kinda bland. Maybe add more spices or something?
I added chicken and it was bomb! Don’t skip the parmesan! 🍝
I didn’t have basil, used cilantro instead. Tasted weird, lol.
Eh, it was okay. The sauce could use more flavor or something. Maybe add some chili flakes next time?
I totally agree! A little kick would make it so much better. Chili flakes are a great idea!
Is it really that easy? I never cook and I’m skeptical of these kinds of recipes. Maybe I’ll try it someday.
Can’t believe people buy pasta sauce from the store. This homemade version is the best!
Totally agree! Store-bought sauce just can’t compare to the freshness of homemade. I love adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, too.
I don’t know, I tried to make my own once, and it turned out a bit bland. I guess I’m just not a chef like you! 😂
Can you use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Asking for a friend.
Yummy! I added some red pepper flakes for extra kick. Delish!
Red pepper flakes sound great! I always like a little spice in my dishes.👌
Ew, who uses dry herbs? Fresh is the only way! Don’t even think about making this without fresh basil. 😒
Pasta is mean, Monster eat it, not sure if it good 😂
This was okay, I guess? The pasta wasn’t actually pink, which I thought it would be.
This pasta recipe is super easy and quick! My kids loved it! Will definitely make it again. 😍
Simple and classic, just like mama made! 🥰
Can I use ketchup instead of crushed tomatoes? I don’t got those at home.
You can use ketchup, but it’ll taste way different. It’s sweet! Just use less salt. Hope it turns out okay!
Super easy and quick recipe! I added some ground beef and it was delicious. Thanks!
Ground beef? Interesting twist! I usually go for just veggies, but I love how versatile this recipe is. Can’t wait to try it! 👍
This was a great recipe! My family loved it! Will make again.
Just made this for dinner! Everyone loved it, didn’t even have leftovers. Will make it again!
Cooked pasta? More like overcooked pasta! Mine turned mushy but the sauce was nice.
Simple and delicious! I added some Italian sausage to mine and it was divine!
That sounds amazing! Italian sausage really adds that kick. Gotta try that next time! 😋
Pasta? Yummy!!! So easy to do.
Way too simple! Where’s the meat? Pasta without meat is like pizza without cheese.
I forgot to add basil, but it was still yum! I think I’ll try it again with the basil next time!
I’m not sure if basil will make it that much better. I mean, it sounds good but… 🤷♂️
Glad to hear it was still yummy! Basil will definitely add a nice touch next time! 🍃
I skipped the Parmesan and used Mozzarella instead. Still yum!
What is dried oregano?? Can I use any spices?? I don’t understand these fancy terms lol.