Rating: 3.56
(159)

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
3.56 from 159 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
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Wind Fish says:

    5 stars
    No lie, this turned out great. My boyfriend ate two bowls and asked for the recipe 😂

    1. 5 stars
      Love hearing this! Two bowls is the ultimate compliment 😂 Thanks for sharing!

  2. 1 star
    This is literally just spaghetti with sauce. It’s not gourmet. Sorry, not impressed.

  3. 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? 🤔

  4. User avatar jon.kuvalis1976 says:

    3 stars
    Is it really that simple? I thought tomato sauce was more complicated. 🤔

  5. User avatar alonso.gaylord71 says:

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

  6. User avatar anitra.nolan says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t have basil so I used mint instead… kinda weird but not bad.

  7. User avatar Lee Bernier says:

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

  8. User avatar mathWizard says:

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

  9. 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.

  10. User avatar Chad Orn Sr. says:

    5 stars
    This is a classic! Tastes just like my grandma used to make. 5 stars!

  11. 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.

  12. User avatar reita.emmerich says:

    4 stars
    Tried this recipe, but I forgot to add the cheese at the end…oops! Still tasted good!

  13. 5 stars
    Perfect! Just like grandma used to make! 👩‍🍳❤️

  14. 4 stars
    Perfect for busy weeknights! Quick and satisfying.

  15. 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.

  16. User avatar Jody Doyle says:

    5 stars
    This is exactly the kind of simple weeknight pasta I love. The sauce tasted way more flavorful than I expected after just 10 minutes simmering.

    1. 3 stars
      Sounds good but 10 minutes seems short to me for a real tomato flavor. I usually simmer longer—like 20-30. Still, I might try it your way with extra basil.

    2. 5 stars
      Yes!! That 10-minute simmer trick is legit. I did garlic + onion like the recipe says and the sauce tasted surprisingly rich for how quick it is.

  17. 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. 😕

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 2 stars
    No cheese in the sauce? I only put parmesan on top and it still felt missing. Would maybe add some cheese in the skillet.

  21. User avatar delores.toy1991 says:

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

  22. 2 stars
    Pasta with tom sauce, huh? My grandma makes it better. No offense!

  23. User avatar zofia.hessel2024 says:

    2 stars
    I accidentally used fresh oregano instead of dried and it tasted kinda weird, like too strong. But I’ll try again correctly.

  24. 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?

  25. 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!

  26. 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!

  27. 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.

  28. 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!

  29. User avatar basementDweller says:

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

  30. User avatar rusty.doyle says:

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

  31. User avatar necole.luettgen95 says:

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

  32. 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?

  33. User avatar clement.hoppe1998 says:

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

  34. User avatar tran.gorczany69 says:

    5 stars
    Super simple and honestly tastes like something you’d get at a casual Italian place. The basil + oregano combo is perfect.

  35. 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.

  36. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

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

  37. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

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

  38. User avatar lupe.schumm22 says:

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

  39. User avatar kecia.pollich says:

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

  40. User avatar jake.okeefe60 says:

    3 stars
    I found the sauce too bland. I added some red pepper flakes and it was better.

    1. User avatar carla.macejkovic73 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! The sauce could use a little kick. Red pepper flakes are a great idea!

    2. User avatar freeman.jenkins9 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, I thought the sauce was fine as it is. Maybe you added too much salt?

  41. 3 stars
    The time it took to simmer was a bit much for me. The sauce tasted ok, but I prefer a quick meal.

  42. 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!

  43. 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.

  44. 4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved this recipe. Thank you for sharing! Will try with some meat next time.

    1. 5 stars
      So glad to hear your kids enjoyed it! Adding meat sounds like a great idea. What kind are you thinking of using?

  45. 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!

  46. 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! 😂

  47. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

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

  48. User avatar kristle.hagenes2009 says:

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

  49. User avatar marlen.cassin says:

    5 stars
    Tasty pasta! 👍

  50. User avatar freddy.jacobi says:

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

  51. User avatar denny.paucek14 says:

    5 stars
    Made this for weeknight dinner and it was great. I added a pinch of chili flakes and it brought it to another level.

    1. User avatar burma.marquardt55 says:

      5 stars
      Love that! Chili flakes really do wake up the whole tomato flavor. Glad it turned out well for a weeknight.

  52. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid weeknight pasta. I used spaghetti and it held together nicely. Next time I’ll simmer closer to 15 minutes because I like it thicker.

  53. 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.👌

  54. 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. 😒

  55. User avatar richie.ryan37 says:

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

  56. 2 stars
    This was okay, I guess? The pasta wasn’t actually pink, which I thought it would be.

  57. 5 stars
    This pasta recipe is super easy and quick! My kids loved it! Will definitely make it again. 😍

  58. User avatar brad.rohan92 says:

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

  59. User avatar ozzie.hane28 says:

    3 stars
    Worst part was waiting for water to boil lol. But okay, the final dish was decent. 3/5 from me.

  60. 5 stars
    Simple and classic, just like mama made! 🥰

3.56 from 159 votes
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Like 482
Close
Coolinarco.com © Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.
Close
Popular Search: