Rating: 3.53
(87)

Cooked Pasta with Tomato Sauce

June 6, 2024

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.

Cooked Pasta with Tomato Sauce
Cooked Pasta with Tomato Sauce
3.53 from 87 votes
A delicious pasta dish with homemade tomato sauce.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 12gFat: 5gFiber: 7g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Soup
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: pasta, quick meal, tomato
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar vinnie.casper23 says:

    3 stars
    I was skeptical about the fuss but ended up enjoying it. It’s a bit bland without meat. Maybe add some sausage? 🤔

  2. User avatar alonso.gaylord71 says:

    1 star
    Anyone else forgot to add the salt? It was just pasta with red stuff 😕.

  3. User avatar Lee Bernier says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly but it turned out kinda bland. Maybe more salt next time?

  4. User avatar mathWizard says:

    4 stars
    Yum! So good! I added some red pepper flakes for heat. Really enhanced the flavor!

  5. User avatar Great Fairies says:

    4 stars
    Didn’t have basil, used thyme instead. Still turned out nice! Cooking rules are meant to be bent.

  6. User avatar Draugr Thrall says:

    2 stars
    I followed this recipe exactly and it turned out bland. Maybe too much tomato? Not sure I’ll make it again.

  7. 5 stars
    Perfect! Just like grandma used to make! 👩‍🍳❤️

  8. 4 stars
    Perfect for busy weeknights! Quick and satisfying.

  9. User avatar dahlia.king31 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pasta sauce ever! My kids loved it. Will definitely make again.

    1. User avatar Effrafax of Wug says:

      2 stars
      Best pasta sauce? Really? I tried this and it was just okay. Kinda bland for my taste.

    2. User avatar jerilyn.quitzon1981 says:

      5 stars
      I agree! This sauce is a game changer! My family devoured it in minutes.

  10. User avatar glen.hermiston says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make and my kids loved it! Will definitely be making again.

    1. 5 stars
      I tried it too! My family loved it! Kids were even asking for seconds. Great recipe!

    2. User avatar gaylene.konopelski says:

      2 stars
      Sounds easy, but I don’t think my kids will eat tomatoes…they’re picky eaters. 😕

  11. User avatar elvis.wyman1963 says:

    4 stars
    4 out of 5! The sauce was great, but I think I overcooked the pasta a little. Next time I’ll watch it better.

  12. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Restaurant-quality pasta right in my kitchen. I can’t believe how easy it was! 10/10!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This was super simple and tasted amazing. I added some chili flakes for a kick!

    2. User avatar norah.little says:

      3 stars
      Are you sure it’s restaurant-quality? Looks kinda basic to me. I think a little more spice might help.

  13. User avatar delores.toy1991 says:

    1 star
    Pasta? More like blah-sta! I didn’t like the texture at all.

  14. User avatar vern.quigley says:

    1 star
    I don’t think this is real pasta. Where are the gluten-free options?

    1. User avatar cyrus.breitenberg82 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, pasta is pasta! They just make it with wheat, ya know? What’s gluten-free anyway?

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      4 stars
      I get your point! Gluten-free pasta is definitely gaining popularity. Maybe try chickpea or zucchini noodles next time?

  15. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    1 star
    Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes? I got confused.

    1. User avatar detra.aufderhar54 says:

      5 stars
      Yes, you can use tomato sauce! Just adjust the seasoning a bit since it’s usually more seasoned than crushed tomatoes. Good luck!

  16. User avatar ricardo.lakin62 says:

    5 stars
    This is like what my grandma used to make but without the meat! Nostalgic! So good, thanks!

    1. 2 stars
      Looks good, but I think it needs meat. Without it, isn’t it just plain pasta?

    2. 5 stars
      So glad it brings back memories! It’s amazing how food can connect us to the past. Enjoy!

  17. User avatar larry.schoen says:

    5 stars
    This pasta with tomato sauce is amazing! So simple and delish! I added some red pepper flakes for a kick.

  18. User avatar elden.aufderhar says:

    4 stars
    Turned out great! My kids loved it, and it was quick to make. Will definitely make this again. Thanks!

  19. User avatar basementDweller says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so easy and delicious! The tomatoes really bring out the flavor. 5 stars from me!

  20. User avatar rusty.doyle says:

    3 stars
    Could you make this in the microwave or nah? Asking for a friend.

  21. User avatar necole.luettgen95 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, it was too bland for me. Maybe add some chili flakes?

  22. 2 stars
    I don’t like tomatoes… so this wasn’t for me. I guess if you like pasta and tomatoes it’d be good?

  23. User avatar clement.hoppe1998 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner, and it was a hit! Definitely making again. 😍

  24. User avatar Tristan Reinger says:

    2 stars
    Too much onion for my taste. I guess not everyone likes that, but I could barely taste the tomato.

  25. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    1 star
    Pasta sauce just seems like a can of spaghetti sauce. Not impressed. But I ate it. 😐

  26. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, it turned out kinda bland. Maybe add more spices or something?

  27. User avatar lupe.schumm22 says:

    4 stars
    I added chicken and it was bomb! Don’t skip the parmesan! 🍝

  28. User avatar kecia.pollich says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have basil, used cilantro instead. Tasted weird, lol.

  29. 3 stars
    The time it took to simmer was a bit much for me. The sauce tasted ok, but I prefer a quick meal.

  30. 3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. The sauce could use more flavor or something. Maybe add some chili flakes next time?

    1. User avatar sharonda.watsica13 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! A little kick would make it so much better. Chili flakes are a great idea!

  31. 3 stars
    Is it really that easy? I never cook and I’m skeptical of these kinds of recipes. Maybe I’ll try it someday.

  32. User avatar burton.legros64 says:

    2 stars
    I ain’t got crushed tomatoes, can I just use ketchup? Asking for a friend.

    1. 2 stars
      Ketchup? Seriously? That’s a no-go for me. You gotta use the crushed tomatoes for that real pasta sauce taste!

    2. User avatar rusty.feil63 says:

      3 stars
      Lol, I mean, it’s a sauce, kinda. A friend of mine once made it with ketchup and it was… interesting. But I wouldn’t suggest it for a dinner party!

  33. User avatar lucina.cassin says:

    5 stars
    Can’t believe people buy pasta sauce from the store. This homemade version is the best!

    1. User avatar leontine.thompson says:

      5 stars
      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.

    2. User avatar bart.marquardt1998 says:

      3 stars
      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! 😂

  34. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    3 stars
    Can you use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Asking for a friend.

  35. User avatar kristle.hagenes2009 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and delicious. A staple in my house now.

  36. User avatar marlen.cassin says:

    5 stars
    Tasty pasta! 👍

  37. User avatar freddy.jacobi says:

    3 stars
    Y’all put too much basil, it’s not pizza! But still good.

  38. 4 stars
    Yummy! I added some red pepper flakes for extra kick. Delish!

    1. User avatar caleb.harvey1984 says:

      5 stars
      Red pepper flakes sound great! I always like a little spice in my dishes.👌

  39. User avatar norbert.weimann45 says:

    2 stars
    Ew, who uses dry herbs? Fresh is the only way! Don’t even think about making this without fresh basil. 😒

  40. User avatar richie.ryan37 says:

    2 stars
    Pasta is mean, Monster eat it, not sure if it good 😂

  41. 2 stars
    This was okay, I guess? The pasta wasn’t actually pink, which I thought it would be.

  42. 5 stars
    This pasta recipe is super easy and quick! My kids loved it! Will definitely make it again. 😍

  43. User avatar brad.rohan92 says:

    5 stars
    This is a super easy recipe! My kids loved it!

  44. 5 stars
    Simple and classic, just like mama made! 🥰

  45. User avatar frankie.reinger19 says:

    1 star
    Can I use ketchup instead of crushed tomatoes? I don’t got those at home.

    1. User avatar yetta.schowalter says:

      3 stars
      You can use ketchup, but it’ll taste way different. It’s sweet! Just use less salt. Hope it turns out okay!

  46. User avatar marshall.buckridge says:

    4 stars
    Super easy and quick recipe! I added some ground beef and it was delicious. Thanks!

    1. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

      5 stars
      Ground beef? Interesting twist! I usually go for just veggies, but I love how versatile this recipe is. Can’t wait to try it! 👍

  47. User avatar ginger.cruickshank says:

    4 stars
    Simple and tasty! Perfect for weeknights. I added some chili flakes for spice.

    1. User avatar wyatt.goodwin says:

      5 stars
      Chili flakes sound like a great idea! I usually do a sprinkle of red pepper too. Love spicy food!

  48. User avatar denae.mayert51 says:

    5 stars
    This was a great recipe! My family loved it! Will make again.

  49. User avatar darwin.carroll1964 says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner! Everyone loved it, didn’t even have leftovers. Will make it again!

  50. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    3 stars
    Cooked pasta? More like overcooked pasta! Mine turned mushy but the sauce was nice.

  51. User avatar louisa.boyle says:

    4 stars
    Simple and delicious! I added some Italian sausage to mine and it was divine!

    1. User avatar kirsten.leffler says:

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing! Italian sausage really adds that kick. Gotta try that next time! 😋

  52. User avatar rich.considine25 says:

    5 stars
    Pasta? Yummy!!! So easy to do.

  53. User avatar will.smitham1965 says:

    1 star
    Way too simple! Where’s the meat? Pasta without meat is like pizza without cheese.

  54. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    4 stars
    I forgot to add basil, but it was still yum! I think I’ll try it again with the basil next time!

    1. User avatar kathrin.daugherty54 says:

      3 stars
      I’m not sure if basil will make it that much better. I mean, it sounds good but… 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar Sandy Haag MD says:

      5 stars
      Glad to hear it was still yummy! Basil will definitely add a nice touch next time! 🍃

  55. User avatar josef.wuckert says:

    4 stars
    I skipped the Parmesan and used Mozzarella instead. Still yum!

  56. User avatar sheryl.jaskolski37 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I used whole wheat pasta and it turned out great!

  57. 2 stars
    What is dried oregano?? Can I use any spices?? I don’t understand these fancy terms lol.

  58. User avatar marketta.feest says:

    3 stars
    I think it needs more garlic. 2 cloves isn’t enough, right?

  59. User avatar Jessia Kessler says:

    2 stars
    Followed the recipe exactly, but it was way too salty. I’ll try it again without the added salt.

  60. User avatar many.lang2009 says:

    2 stars
    Bland. Thought it would be more flavorful with just tomatoes. Next time, I’ll add more herbs.

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      3 stars
      Bland? Really? I thought it tasted great! But if you like more flavor, just add some more herbs, like you said!

    2. 4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! I added some crushed red pepper last time and it was so much better! Maybe some garlic powder too?

  61. User avatar Great Fairies says:

    4 stars
    Oops, I used spaghetti instead of any other pasta. Still good though! 😂

  62. User avatar woodrow.oconnell1977 says:

    5 stars
    Pasta’s my fave! Never gone wrong with this dish!

3.53 from 87 votes
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