Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that transports you straight to the sun-drenched kitchens of Italy, without hours of complicated preparation. This Pasta with Tomato and Onion Mix is your ticket to a quick, delicious meal that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal cooking skills, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks like you've been secretly trained by a professional Italian chef!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the 200g pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, allowing them to break down and release their juices.
- Season the tomato and onion mixture with salt and pepper to taste, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato and onion sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- If the sauce seems too dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Cook pasta just until al dente, which means it should have a slight firmness when bitten.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy consistency helps create a smoother, more cohesive sauce.
- Use fresh basil for garnishing to add a burst of aromatic freshness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best sauce results.
- Don't rush the onion and garlic sautéing process - letting them caramelize slowly develops deeper flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
