Ingredients
Scale
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
If you prefer, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The beauty of these recipes is in their flexibility.
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet, along with the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring each strand is coated evenly. This is the part where you can almost hear Mama Lou saying, “A good sauce is like a warm hug for your pasta.”
- Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with fresh basil leaves. Don’t forget to share with those you love, just like Ouma would insist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
