If you’re searching for that perfect weeknight comfort dish, look no further than this timeless Tomato Sauce Pasta. It’s a beautiful collision of simplicity and soul-satisfying flavor, the sort of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and eager forks. Velvety tomato sauce clings to every strand of spaghetti, aromatic garlic perfumes your kitchen, and a shower of fresh basil and Parmesan takes it all over the top. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, Tomato Sauce Pasta has a magical ability to feel both special and blissfully easy—an Italian classic for any cook, on any night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Tomato Sauce Pasta is how a handful of classic ingredients unite to create bold, memorable flavor. Each item plays its part, from the warmth of olive oil to the zippy brightness of fresh basil.
- Spaghetti (8 oz): Choose your favorite brand—a classic spaghetti shape helps catch every drop of the luscious sauce.
- Tomato sauce (1 ½ cups): Go for a good-quality tomato sauce; it’s the star of the show and gives your pasta its rich color and deep flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and fragrance; mince it finely for the best texture.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Olive oil brings out the flavors in the garlic and adds a smooth, classic richness.
- Dried oregano (½ tsp): Just a touch brings a subtle herby note that feels unmistakably Italian.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): These basics season the dish perfectly, bringing all the flavors together.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional): Basil adds vibrant color and a fresh, sweet finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A final dusting of Parmesan gives your Tomato Sauce Pasta a savory, cheesy kick.
How to Make Tomato Sauce Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes—just until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to stir now and then to prevent sticking! Once your spaghetti is ready, reserve a small cup of pasta water (this is magic for adjusting your sauce), then drain the rest.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic
While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring gently for about a minute until it softens and smells incredible. Take care not to let it brown—you want sweet, mellow garlic, not bitter!
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle in the dried oregano. Give everything a good stir, then let the sauce bubble away at a gentle simmer for about five minutes. This helps meld all the flavors and slightly thickens your sauce. Taste, then season with salt and pepper until it sings.
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti right into the skillet with your tomato sauce. Use tongs or a big spoon to toss everything together, making sure each strand gets beautifully coated. If your sauce seems too thick, a splash or two of that reserved pasta water will help bring it all together with a glossy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish the Tomato Sauce Pasta into warm bowls. If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while everything is steamy and fragrant—pure happiness in a bowl!
How to Serve Tomato Sauce Pasta
Garnishes
To make every bowl shine, finish your Tomato Sauce Pasta with a shower of torn fresh basil leaves and a generous spoonful of freshly grated Parmesan. A crack of black pepper never hurts either! These little touches take your pasta from tasty to truly memorable, adding color, texture, and depth of flavor right at the table.
Side Dishes
This pasta plays so well with others! For a classic Italian dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or a hunk of warm, crusty bread perfect for mopping up extra sauce. Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or even a quick caprese salad are all crowd-pleasing choices to round out your meal with style.
Creative Ways to Present
For a change from the usual, try serving Tomato Sauce Pasta twirled in little nests on each plate, or pile it high family-style on a big platter for a convivial feel. Top with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or add marinated mozzarella balls for a fun twist. Hosting dinner? Set up a “pasta bar” with bowls of extra herbs, red pepper flakes, and cheese for everyone to customize their perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Sauce Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic do-ahead option for busy weekdays. Just transfer the cooled pasta and sauce to an airtight container—if possible, store the sauce and pasta separately to keep the noodles from soaking up too much liquid.
Freezing
Want to stash a portion away for future cravings? Freeze the tomato sauce (without pasta) in a zip-top bag or shallow airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, simply thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly cooked spaghetti. Pasta itself can get mushy after freezing, so it’s best kept fresh.
Reheating
To bring leftover Tomato Sauce Pasta back to life, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce as needed. A quick zap in the microwave works too—cover the bowl and stir halfway so it heats evenly. Toss in fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese to perk up the flavors!
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a classic for Tomato Sauce Pasta, penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you love will work wonderfully. The sauce will happily hug whichever noodle you choose.
How can I make the sauce heartier?
Toss in sautéed onions, ground beef, Italian sausage, mushrooms, or a handful of chopped vegetables before simmering your tomato sauce. These add-ins make your Tomato Sauce Pasta more filling and super flavorful.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this Tomato Sauce Pasta is vegetarian. If you’re avoiding cheese or want a vegan version, simply skip the Parmesan or sub in your favorite plant-based cheese alternative.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Tomato Sauce Pasta scales up easily—just double (or triple) all the ingredients and use a large enough pot and skillet to accommodate the extra volume. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday suppers.
How can I add a spicy kick?
If you love a little heat, stir a pinch of red pepper flakes into the tomato sauce as it simmers, or serve your pasta with a shaker of chili flakes at the table. It’s an easy way to give your Tomato Sauce Pasta some zing!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Tomato Sauce Pasta a spin the next time you crave something comforting and classic. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re in a hurry or just want a bowl full of pure, tomato-y joy. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and make dinner a little more delicious tonight!
Print
Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for Tomato Sauce Pasta that is quick to make and full of flavor. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
8 oz
Tomato Sauce:
1 ½ cups
Garlic (minced):
2 cloves
Olive Oil:
1 tbsp
Dried Oregano:
½ tsp
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Basil (optional):
chopped
Parmesan Cheese (optional):
grated
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add tomato sauce and oregano: Add the tomato sauce and oregano to the skillet, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Season and toss: Season with salt and pepper. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta with fresh basil and grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can add sautéed onions, ground beef, or vegetables for a heartier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
