easy to cook italian recipe
The Best easy to cook italian recipe
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap in whatever veggies are fresh, toss in some grated Parmesan, or even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. It’s also surprisingly nutritious—packed with protein from the meat or tofu, fiber from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens if your kids are hesitant, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a little treat without the fuss.
Quick Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Bread
A simple, flavorful Italian dish that combines tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce and fresh basil. Perfect for a weeknight meal with minimal effort.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. -
2
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and heavy cream. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. -
3
While the sauce cooks, brush baguette slices with melted butter, sprinkle with minced garlic, and sprinkle with parsley. Toast in a preheated 375°F oven for 5–7 minutes until golden. -
4
Toss drained pasta with the garlic sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve immediately with garlic bread.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Quick Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Quick Tomato & Basil Pasta with Garlic Bread
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust some ingredients based on what you have on hand. For example, if you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch, though the flavor will be slightly different. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, use less—about half the amount. Avoid replacing the olive oil or tomato sauce entirely, as they’re key to the dish’s flavor.
How long should I let the sauce simmer before adding the pasta?
Simmer the sauce for about 10–12 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Adding the pasta right away can make the sauce too thin. Taste it first—it should be rich and slightly tangy, not watery.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the sauce and ingredients up to a day ahead. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When cooking, bring the sauce to a gentle simmer before adding the pasta to avoid overcooking it. Reheat gently to avoid a gritty texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free or dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free pasta. It’s also dairy-free as long as you avoid any cheese additions—just stick to the tomato sauce and olive oil base. If you’re sensitive to dairy, no additional steps are needed.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Pasta is ready when it reaches al dente—it should feel firm to the bite and take about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. If you’re unsure, taste a piece: it should have a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce if needed.
