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–+ servings

Tomato and Garlic Pasta

Tomato and Garlic Pasta is a classic, no-fuss dish made with humble ingredients that pack a punch. Fresh or canned tomatoes are sautéed with generous garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then tossed with al dente pasta for a savory, satisfying meal. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this dish is incredibly adaptable and budget-friendly. Whether you want it vegan, spicy, or herby, it’s a staple recipe every home cook should know.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: main dish, pasta
Cuisine: Italian-American, Mediterranean
Calories: 260
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds tomatoes
  • 1 8 ounce package angel hair pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or as needed
  • 4 cloves crushed garlic
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)

Method
 

  1. Place tomatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring just to a boil. Pour off water, and cover again with cold water. Peel the skin off tomatoes and cut into small pieces.
  2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan, making sure there is enough to cover the bottom of the pan, and sauté garlic until opaque but not browned. Stir in tomato paste. Immediately stir in the tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer until pasta is ready, adding basil at the end.
  4. Drain pasta, do not rinse in cold water. Toss with a bit of olive oil, then mix into the sauce.
  5. Reduce heat as low as possible. Keep warm, uncovered, for about 10 minutes when it is ready to serve. Garnish generously with fresh Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 236mgPotassium: 710mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 86mgIron: 2mg

Notes

There are many variations to try for this pasta. A couple of favorites are to sauté fresh quartered mushrooms with the garlic or add shoestring zucchini along with the tomato.

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