Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225g) dried spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) dried spaghetti
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. 4.
   Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Stir in the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve the perfect al dente texture, cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, then test for doneness.
• For a burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while simmering.
• Enhance the dish with additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Serving advice

Serve the Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine.

Presentation advice

Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appetizing presentation. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant tomato sauce.