# Tomato pasta

By [yagotinskiy](https://paragraph.com/@yagoss) · 2024-01-12

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Making a simple pasta with tomato sauce is a classic and delicious dish. Here's a basic recipe to guide you:

Ingredients: 8 oz (about 225g) of your preferred pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any type you like) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 small onion, finely chopped 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (about 14 oz or 400g) of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional) Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Instructions: Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Prepare the Sauce:

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Stir well. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Combine Sauce and Pasta:

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it's well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency. Serve:

Plate the pasta and sauce mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. This basic pasta with tomato sauce recipe serves as a canvas, and you can customize it by adding ingredients like olives, capers, red pepper flakes, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta!

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*Originally published on [yagotinskiy](https://paragraph.com/@yagoss/tomato-pasta)*