Ingredients:
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or any type you prefer) – 200g (for 2 servings)
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 2-3 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
- Canned tomatoes (or fresh, diced tomatoes) – 400g
- Tomato paste – 1 tablespoon (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Basil – fresh or dried (optional)
- Parmesan cheese – for serving (optional)
Instructions:
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Boil the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add a generous pinch of salt (this flavors the pasta).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually 8–12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is al dente (firm but cooked), drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
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Prepare the sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and onions. Sauté until soft and translucent (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the canned tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes) and the tomato paste. Stir everything together.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and basil (if using). Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
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Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Serve:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil (if desired).
- Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta