One of those foods that everyone enjoys and that can be prepared for any occasion, from a casual weeknight meal to a lavish celebration, is pasta. There is always space for creativity in the kitchen because there are so many different forms of pasta and sauces to choose from. Today, we’ll show you how to make a simple yet delicious pasta dish that works well for practically any occasion. Even novices can prepare a tasty supper with this recipe, which is made for home cooks of all skill levels.
1. Components Required
The following items are needed for this recipe:
200 grammes of pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti are excellent choices)
Two teaspoons of olive oil
Three garlic cloves, cut finely
One medium onion, cut finely
Two medium-sized sliced tomatoes
One teaspoon of oregano, dried
One teaspoon of fresh or dried basil, if available
To taste, add salt and pepper.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, if desired)
An optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added spiciness
This easy pasta dish is ideal for a cosy evening for two or a small family gathering because it serves around two to three people.
2. Bring the pasta to a boil.
Bring a big saucepan of salted water to a boil first. After adding the pasta to the boiling water, cook it as directed on the package until it is al dente. Depending on the pasta type you select, this typically takes 8 to 10 minutes. you keep the pasta from sticking together, make sure you mix it occasionally. Drain the pasta when finished, saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce. After cooking, set aside the pasta.
3. Get the sauce base ready.
Heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat while the pasta cooks. Cook the chopped onions and garlic in the skillet for two to three minutes, or until they are transparent and fragrant. Onions offer a subtle sweetness that will counterbalance the acidity of the tomatoes, while garlic gives the dish a great depth of flavour. To keep the garlic from burning, stir from time to time.
4. Include the herbs and tomatoes.
Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet once the onions and garlic have softened. Allow the tomatoes to break down and release their juices by stirring the mixture and cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes. This gives the sauce a deep, flavourful foundation. Stir everything together and add the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to taste. This is the ideal time to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. To combine the flavours, boil the sauce for an additional five minutes.
5. Mix the pasta with the sauce.
It’s time to mix the pasta with the sauce when it has thickened and become fragrant. To ensure even coating, add the drained pasta straight to the skillet with the tomato sauce and stir gently. One spoonful at a time, add a tiny bit of the pasta water that was set aside if the sauce looks too thick until it achieves the consistency you want. The sauce becomes creamier and better able to stick to the noodles thanks to the pasta water’s ability to emulsify it.
6. Complete the Dish
It’s time to finish your pasta now that the sauce has thoroughly coated it. Grated Parmesan cheese should be added and stirred into the pasta until it melts into the sauce. The recipe comes together thanks to the cheese’s savoury depth and creamy richness. If necessary, add extra salt, pepper, or herbs after tasting the pasta.
7. Present and garnish
To add a pop of colour and a touch of freshness, move the pasta onto plates and top with fresh basil leaves. For added flavour, you can also sprinkle more grated Parmesan on top if you’d like. Although completely optional, this step will give the pasta a genuine, restaurant-caliber appearance. Savour the warm, savoury flavours of the pasta as soon as it’s hot.
8. Optional Ingredients for Added Taste
Pasta’s versatility is one of its many wonderful qualities. Feel free to alter this recipe by adding your preferred ingredients, even though it tastes great on its own. To make it even more nutrient-dense, you could add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can add bacon, prawns or even grilled chicken for extra protein. For a richer, decadent dish, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese or a dash of heavy cream if you like a creamier sauce.
9. Reasons This Pasta Recipe Is Effective
This easy pasta dish strikes the ideal balance between traditional flavours and fresh ingredients. An umami-rich, flavourful base is produced by combining garlic, onions, and tomatoes. The Parmesan cheese provides the ideal amount of depth and creaminess, while the herbs enhance the meal without overpowering the flavours. Because of the dish’s adaptability, you can customise it by adding other proteins, vegetables, or sauces to suit your tastes.
10. Final Thoughts: A Dish for Every Occasion
The charm of simplicity in the kitchen is demonstrated by this spaghetti recipe. It’s quick, simple, and ideal for both relaxed weekend dinners and hectic weeknights. It is perfect for home cooks of all skill levels because the components are simple to locate and the instructions are clear. This spaghetti recipe is likely to please everyone, whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together, sharing it with family, or eating it by yourself. So grab some pasta the next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and flavourful, and watch the magic of this recipe happen.
