There’s something special about pasta. It’s easy to cook, comforting, and loved by almost everyone. Whether you’re new to cooking or an old pro, this pasta recipe will help you make a delicious meal quickly and easily. Let’s get started and bring a little joy to your table tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Recipe
You want a pasta dish that feels authentic, tastes incredible, and comes together quickly with ingredients you already have on hand. This recipe fits all those needs and more.
- Effortless preparation: You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find; just pantry staples.
- Flexible for your tastes: Whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with add-ins, this recipe adapts.
- Satisfying and balanced: The flavors are rich but not overwhelming, making it a hit for all ages.
You don’t have to be a chef to create restaurant-quality pasta at home. This recipe simplifies the process, helping you impress your family and friends or just enjoy a delicious meal solo.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Main Ingredients with Quantities
- 400 grams of dried pasta (choose spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 can (400 grams) of crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)
Tip: Opting for a high-quality olive oil will add a subtle richness that elevates the entire dish. Fresh garlic is best for a fragrant base, but if you’re short on time, good-quality pre-minced garlic works well too.
How to Make Your Pasta Recipe
Mastering this pasta recipe is straightforward when you follow these steps:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add a generous pinch of salt. This is crucial—salting the water seasons the pasta from the inside out.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente—meaning it’s cooked through but still firm when bitten. Overcooking leads to mushy noodles that can’t hold sauce well.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—usually about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn or it will turn bitter.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency.
Combine pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to each strand.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
Following these steps carefully guarantees a flavorful, well-balanced pasta dish every time.
Expert Tips to Elevate Your Pasta Game
Once you know the basics, these insider tips will take your pasta from good to unforgettable:
- Never skimp on salting the pasta water. It should taste like the sea—that’s how much seasoning pasta needs.
- Reserve pasta water. The starch helps bind sauce and pasta, making every bite silky.
- Avoid rinsing your pasta after draining. Rinsing washes away the starch that helps sauce stick.
- Fresh herbs matter. Even a small handful of fresh basil or parsley added at the end adds brightness and aroma that dried herbs can’t match.
- Try a pinch of chili flakes if you want a gentle heat boost without overpowering the sauce.
Incorporating these simple tricks will enhance your dish without adding complexity.
Pasta Recipe Variations to Suit Your Taste
Feeling adventurous or catering to dietary needs? This recipe is a perfect canvas for customization:
- Vegetarian upgrade: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini ribbons, or fresh spinach leaves for added texture and nutrition.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken strips, shrimp, or canned chickpeas to make it more filling.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream, coconut milk, or cream cheese for a luscious sauce.
- Spicy flair: Increase chili flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Gluten-free: Swap out traditional pasta for chickpea or rice-based gluten-free options without sacrificing taste.
These variations allow you to tailor the dish for every mood and occasion.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
To round out your pasta meal, consider pairing it with these ideas:
- A crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.
- Crusty bread or garlic breadsticks complement the sauce and help scoop every last bite.
- Light appetizers like marinated olives or roasted vegetables prep the palate.
- This pasta also works great as leftovers—store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
You’re set to create a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Recipe
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Most shapes work well, but spaghetti, penne, and fusilli hold the sauce nicely thanks to their shape and texture.
Can I make this pasta recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese substitute, and ensure your pasta contains no egg.
How long can I store leftover pasta?
Store cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days for the best freshness.
How do I reheat pasta without it drying out?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a small splash of water or sauce, stirring occasionally.
Classic Beef Casserole
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Beef
- 2 pounds beef chuck cut into cubes
Vegetables
- 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
Sauce
- 2 cups beef broth low sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes in batches until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch. Set beef aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and sprinkle flour evenly over vegetables. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add beef broth while scraping browned bits from the bottom. Return beef to pot. Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and transfer to a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, until beef is tender.
- Alternatively, place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Let casserole rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and settle flavors.