5 from 204 votes
Quick and Authentic Pasta Pomodoro Sauce
Quick and Authentic Pasta Pomodoro Sauce combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil to create a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. The sauce is cooked by gently sautéing garlic in oil before adding fresh tomatoes which are broken down and thickened over time. The inclusion of basil adds a fresh herbaceous note, enhancing the classic flavor profile. This preparation is ideal for cooking alongside pasta, making a streamlined yet satisfying meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
542 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti DeLallo dried pasta, or penne
- 1 pound tomatoes medium size fresh, such as campari or cocktail
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided, DeLallo brand
- 6 large garlic of the same size, divided, fresh cloves
- 12-15 basil leaves
- 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt
Instructions
- Begin cooking the pasta noodles in boiling water seasoned with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt for approximately 5 minutes. *NOTE: Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water to add to the sauce later. While the pasta is cooking, start the sauce.
- For the sauce, cut the tomatoes in half, then quarter the halves, and set aside. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, and add three of the garlic cloves to the oil. Tilt the pan so the garlic is immersed in the oil to flavor it as the garlic cooks. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant and begins to color, then to avoid splatters, carefully add the tomatoes along with their juice to the flavored oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring and breaking apart the tomatoes as they cook. Pull out the garlic cloves and discard them. Continue cooking the sauce for 6-8 more minutes where it will thicken and become creamy as it cooks. Tear the fresh basil leaves into pieces and add to the sauce when cooking is nearly complete.
- As the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat with the remaining garlic. Cook until lightly browned, remove the garlic and discard. Carefully ladle 1 to ½ cups of the pasta water ¼ cup at a time into the garlic-infused oil. Transfer the noodles to the pan and continue cooking the pasta for 1-2 more minutes or until the water and oil are absorbed. Divide the noodles among four plates, and top with the sauce. Garnish with more fresh basil and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving. Or, toss the noodles with the sauce and serve family-style
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Reserve 2 cups of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Be cautious when adding tomatoes to hot garlic oil to prevent splatters and burns.
- Remove garlic cloves after flavoring the oil to avoid bitterness.
Nutrition Information
Serving
4ounces
Calories
542kcal
(27%)
Carbohydrates
91g
(30%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Sodium
2630mg
(110%)
Potassium
542mg
(12%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1010IU
(20%)
Vitamin C
17.3mg
(19%)
Calcium
44mg
(4%)
Iron
1.9mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 542
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 4ounces | |
| Calories | 542kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 91g | 30% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 2630mg | 110% |
| Potassium | 542mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1010IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 17.3mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1.9mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.