You can never go wrong with hearty pasta recipes, especially when you’re feeding a crowd. Some of my favorites include Cajun jambalaya pasta, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, manicotti, chicken broccoli Alfredo, penne alla vodka and this simple yet satisfying pasta pomodoro. Sometimes simple is best, like in this case with the classic Italian favorite pasta pomodoro. The pasta is in the most delicious homemade tomato sauce, with high quality ingredients that make it taste like it comes from your favorite Italian restaurant. You won’t believe the amazing flavor!
Pasta Ingredients
This dish consists of simple items including extra-virgin olive oil, onions, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, tomatoes, salt, pepper, butter, pasta, parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
How Do You Make Pasta Pomodoro?
The first step in making pasta pomodoro is to prepare the sauce. The sauce starts with sauteed onions and garlic in a large skillet. The tomatoes are pureed, then simmered with the garlic and onions. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce a bit of a kick! While the sauce is cooking, prepare your pasta. Toss the al dente pasta with the sauce, then stir in butter and parmesan cheese to add richness. Add some more cheese and fresh basil for garnish, then serve and enjoy!
Tips For Pasta Pomodoro
While spaghetti is traditional in this dish, other long types of pasta will work such as fettuccine, bucatini or angel hair pasta. Serve your pasta with a salad or veggie on the side. Some of my favorite options include Mediterranean salad, succotash, wedge salad and asparagus salad. I also like to offer garlic knots or cheesy pull apart bread. You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance, then reheat the sauce in a pan and toss the pasta, butter and parmesan cheese in the sauce right before serving. You can freeze the sauce for up to 2 months. You don’t need to wait for ripe fresh tomatoes to enjoy pasta pomodoro. Make this sauce year round with high quality canned tomatoes. The secret ingredient for a great sauce is a can of San Marzano whole tomatoes. These plum or Roma tomatoes are sweet and mild, and they are the perfect foundation for pomodoro sauce. San Marzanos are available in any grocery store under a variety of labels.
Pomodoro Variations
This dish is delicious as is, but you can add other ingredients to customize it to your family’s tastes.
Protein: Try adding baked chicken breast, garlic butter shrimp, Italian meatballs or Italian sausage to your pasta. Vegetables: You can incorporate cooked veggies such as spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms and onions, grilled zucchini, artichokes or grilled eggplant. Cheese: Add a layer of shredded mozzarella or fontina over the top of your pasta, then place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Looking for other ways to enjoy pasta? Be sure to check out my lists of slow cooker pasta recipes and pasta salad recipes!
