Minute Tomato Garlic Pasta

$To make this tasty dish, you need just a few key items: - 200g spaghetti or your pasta of choice - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced - 400g canned diced tomatoes (preferably Italian) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) These ingredients create a bright and flavorful sauce. The garlic adds depth, while the tomatoes bring freshness. The red pepper flakes give it just the right kick. If you want to step up the flavor, consider these extras: - A splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness - Olives or capers for briny notes - Spinach or arugula for a fresh touch - Lemon zest for brightness - Crushed nuts for crunch These additions can transform the dish. They add layers of taste and texture that make your meal unique. Not all ingredients need to be set in stone. Here are some swaps: - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs - Substitute garlic with shallots for a milder taste - Swap canned tomatoes for fresh ones during peak season - Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant flavor - Opt for nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan option Feel free to mix and match! Cooking is about making it work for you. Use what you have and enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is key for good flavor. When the water boils, add 200g of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy water before draining the pasta. Set it aside while you make the sauce. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning. You want the garlic to smell great and turn a light golden color. Burning the garlic can make your dish bitter, so keep an eye on it. Pour in 400g of canned diced tomatoes. I prefer using Italian tomatoes for their rich flavor. Stir to combine the tomatoes with the garlic. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This simmering time helps the flavors blend. After that, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. If the sauce seems thick, add some reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Now that your pasta is ready, add it directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta with the tomato-garlic sauce until it’s well coated. If it looks dry, pour in more of the reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Make sure everything is mixed well. Serve your pasta hot. For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves. If you want to add extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling it into neat nests. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and add a few whole basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your Minute Tomato Garlic Pasta! To cook pasta just right, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. - Add a lot of salt; it should taste like the sea. - Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding pasta. - Stir the pasta after adding it to prevent sticking. - Cook until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. - Save half a cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps bind the sauce later. Garlic is key for great taste. Here’s how to use it: - Slice fresh garlic thinly for a stronger flavor. - Cook it in olive oil over medium heat. - Watch it closely; cook until it’s light golden, about 1-2 minutes. - If it burns, the taste turns bitter. - Don’t rush this step! Good garlic adds depth to the sauce. Want to control the heat? Here’s what to do: - Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Taste the sauce as you cook. - If you want more heat, add more flakes slowly. - Remember, you can always add, but can’t take away! - For milder flavors, skip the red pepper or use less. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil will not only enhance the flavor of the dish but also add a rich, aromatic finish to the pasta. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This will help maintain its texture. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste preference. Start with a small amount and increase as needed. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy reserved pasta water is a great way to adjust the consistency of the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta. {{image_4}} To make creamy tomato garlic pasta, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir it in after you simmer the tomato sauce. This gives the dish a rich, smooth texture. The cream balances the acid from the tomatoes. I love this variation for a cozy dinner. Want to boost the nutrition? Add vegetables! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. You can also toss in some cooked mushrooms. They add earthiness and depth to the dish. This makes the pasta not just tasty, but also colorful and healthy. For a filling meal, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs perfectly with the sauce. Simply cook them separately and toss them in at the end. If you prefer meatless options, try chickpeas or lentils. They add texture and keep you satisfied. Enjoy the flavors while making it a complete meal! After enjoying your Minute Tomato Garlic Pasta, store any leftovers in a sealed container. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature before sealing it. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date to keep track. When you want to eat the leftover pasta, add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps bring moisture back to the dish. Place the pasta in a pan over medium heat. Stir it often until it’s warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it's hot. You can freeze this pasta dish for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out the air before sealing to help prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat them together in a skillet. Add a splash of pasta water for a fresh taste. I recommend using spaghetti for this recipe. It pairs well with the sauce. However, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, fusilli, or linguine also work great. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. To stop garlic from burning, cook it over medium heat. Watch it closely as it cooks. Stir every 30 seconds for even cooking. If you notice it browning too fast, lower the heat right away. Perfectly golden garlic adds great flavor. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish plant-based while still being delicious and satisfying. You can serve this pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette pairs well. Garlic bread is another great choice. If you want protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp on top. These options enhance your meal and make it filling. This blog post covered how to make Minute Tomato Garlic Pasta. We discussed essential and optional ingredients, plus substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for cooking. We also explored tasty variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Try this simple recipe for a quick yet delicious meal. With a few tweaks, it can fit any taste. Remember, cooking is fun. Enjoy adding your own flair to this dish!$

Minute Tomato Garlic Pasta

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring garlic, tomatoes, and a hint of spice.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Ingredients

200 g spaghetti or your pasta of choice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
400 g canned diced tomatoes (preferably Italian)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves
optional Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your spaghetti or chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color—be careful not to let it burn as this will impart a bitter taste.
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes, stirring to combine with the garlic. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes. This simmering will help the flavors develop and intensify within the sauce.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and dried oregano, then season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking, gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water until reaching your desired consistency.
Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, add it directly into the skillet with the tomato-garlic sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Should the sauce require more moisture to help cling to the pasta, feel free to add more of the reserved pasta water.
Serve the pasta hot, elegantly garnished with fresh basil leaves. For an added touch of indulgence, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling it into nests for an appealing effect. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top and add a couple of whole basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.

Keyword garlic, pasta, quick meal, tomato