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Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipe to Make at Home

Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipe to Make at Home - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious pasta recipe home. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 12 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or with a spoon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Substitution tips: If you want a heartier sauce, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms. For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. If canned tomatoes aren’t your thing, fresh plum tomatoes can be blanched and crushed.

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5-7 minutes. This step fills the kitchen with a scent that takes me right back to Mama Lu’s porch, where stories mingled with the smell of slow-cooked meals.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Pour in the crushed canned tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly and develop a rich, deep flavor. If it gets too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning—Mama Lu always said seasoning is the soul of a dish. Don’t be shy with salt or pepper. If the sauce tastes too acidic, a tiny pinch of sugar can balance it out.
  7. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand or piece. If the sauce feels dry, add more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a silky consistency.
  8. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a creamy finish.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/pasta-recipe-home/