Name: Pasta Pomodoro
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb spaghetti (or your preferred pasta); 1 can whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (optional); 1 cup baby spinach (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 2 tbsp butter (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pasta Pomodoro is a timeless, easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your kitchen. The sauce, made from fresh cherry tomatoes, canned San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and basil, creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, flavorful meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made vegan or with optional additions like mozzarella balls or spinach for a more hearty meal. The best part? It’s ready in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
Canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil
Fresh garlic
Fresh basil
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Mozzarella balls and baby spinach (optional)
Parmesan cheese and butter (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the sauce: Cut cherry tomatoes in half. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, and sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and cook for 4 minutes. Then, add canned tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes while cooking the pasta. Stir occasionally, crushing the tomatoes with a spoon.
Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, cooking it 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato sauce along with chopped basil. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, adding pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and stir in mozzarella balls, grated parmesan, and spinach if using. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and top with additional basil or spinach before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Add plant-based mozzarella or vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Spicy: Include more red pepper flakes or fresh chilies for an extra kick.
Herbs: Try adding oregano or thyme for a slightly different flavor profile.
Greens: Incorporate other leafy greens such as arugula or kale in place of spinach.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for about 2 minutes or sauté in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Pasta Pomodoro?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as linguine, bucatini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta.

2. Is Pasta Pomodoro vegan-friendly?

Yes, Pasta Pomodoro can easily be made vegan by omitting any cheese or using dairy-free alternatives.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones?

Yes, fresh tomatoes like plum or cherry tomatoes work well in this recipe, adding a natural sweetness to the sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

5. How can I make the sauce creamier?

To make the sauce creamier, finish cooking the pasta in the sauce and add some reserved pasta cooking water to thicken it.

6. Can I freeze Pasta Pomodoro?

It’s not ideal to freeze pasta after it’s cooked, but you can freeze the sauce for later use. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat.

7. What should I serve with Pasta Pomodoro?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with Pasta Pomodoro.

8. Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?

Yes, but extra virgin olive oil adds a richer, fruitier flavor to the dish.

9. What is the best way to store leftover Pasta Pomodoro?

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

10. How can I make Pasta Pomodoro spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or use fresh chilies for extra heat.

Conclusion

Pasta Pomodoro is a simple, classic dish that combines fresh ingredients to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for a quick dinner or making a comforting meal for the family, this dish is sure to satisfy. With its versatility and delicious flavors, Pasta Pomodoro is a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.