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Close-up of Classic Tomato Garlic Pasta with fresh basil, golden garlic slices, and juicy tomatoes in a light olive oil sauce.

Classic Tomato Garlic Pasta

A quick and flavorful Italian pasta dish made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 2 servings
Calories 778 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb fresh tomatoes ripe and juicy
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 9 cloves garlic about 1 oz, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1½ tsp fresh oregano leaves
  • 1½ tsp fresh basil lightly chopped
  • Pinch of sugar if tomatoes are too acidic
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for mild heat
  • 7 oz pasta of choice spaghetti, linguine, or fusilli

Instructions
 

  • (Optional) If you prefer a smoother sauce, peel the tomatoes. To do this, score an "X" on the bottom, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water and peel the skin off. Dice the tomatoes into small pieces.
  • Heat 6 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the diced tomatoes to the pan—season with salt and black pepper. Stir in a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup (60 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  • Add the fresh oregano and basil to the sauce. Stir in the cooked pasta along with 2-3 tbsp of reserved pasta water. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the pasta absorbs the flavors.
  • Plate the pasta and garnish with additional basil and oregano. Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.

Notes

Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, as the sauce thickens over time.

Nutrition

Serving: 400gCalories: 778kcalCarbohydrates: 78gProtein: 16gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 31gSodium: 596mgPotassium: 615mgFiber: 13gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1921IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Easy Pasta Recipe, Fresh Tomato Sauce, Garlic Pasta, Italian Pasta, quick dinner, Tomato Garlic Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta
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