Easy tomato pasta — ingredients and method
The simplest, most-loved way to eat pasta, made from things you probably have: ripe tomatoes, garlic and basil. The sauce is ready while the pasta water boils. Copy the ingredients to your room and tick off what's missing.
Serves 4 · 20 min
In short
Easy tomato pasta for 4 takes 400 g spaghetti, 5 medium ripe tomatoes, 3 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, basil and Parmesan, and is ready in 20 minutes. Grate the tomatoes and simmer them with the garlic and paste for 10–12 minutes while the pasta cooks 1 minute short of the packet time. A ladle of pasta water helps the sauce cling.
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Ingredients
- Spaghetti400 g
- Ripe tomatoes5 medium
- Garlic3 cloves
- Olive oil3 tbsp
- Tomato paste1 tbsp
- Sugar1 tsp
- Basil1 small bunch
- Salt1½ tbsp
- Black pepper½ tsp
- Parmesangrated, to serve
Method
Bring 4 litres (about 4 quarts) of water to the boil in a large pot and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Grate the tomatoes, leaving the skins behind; finely chop the garlic.
Heat the olive oil in a wide pan on low heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not coloured.
Add the tomato paste and stir for 1 minute; add the grated tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper.
Simmer the sauce uncovered over medium heat for 10–12 minutes until thick and the oil rises to the surface.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta 1 minute less than the packet says, so it stays al dente. Save a ladle of pasta water, then drain.
Toss the pasta in the sauce for 1–2 minutes, loosening with pasta water if needed. Serve with torn basil and grated Parmesan.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I stop tomato pasta sauce tasting sour?
A teaspoon of sugar balances the acidity, and simmering the sauce uncovered for 10–12 minutes mellows it further. The biggest difference, though, is using properly ripe, in-season tomatoes.
Why save the pasta water?
Its starch binds the oil and tomato into a glossy sauce that coats the pasta instead of pooling on the plate. Add it a spoonful at a time until the sauce loosens to your liking.
Can I make tomato pasta with canned tomatoes?
Yes. Two cans (about 800 g) of chopped tomatoes work well when fresh ones aren't ripe. Cook the sauce the same way, perhaps a few minutes longer to thicken.
Can I change the list?
Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.
Do I need an account?
No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.
How long is the list kept?
As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.
Can I install it on my phone?
Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.