Description
This Italian Noodles recipe offers a classic, flavorful dish perfect for any pasta lover. Featuring al dente noodles tossed in a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and basil, and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s an easy yet impressive meal suitable for vegetarians and ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried spaghetti or fettuccine noodles
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti or fettuccine noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining the noodles.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, making sure it doesn’t burn.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, combining well. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Toss noodles in sauce: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with the flavorful tomato mixture. Heat together for 1-2 minutes so flavors meld.
- Serve: Plate the sauced noodles and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
- Add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or grilled chicken for additional texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce simmering step.
- Use gluten-free pasta varieties to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
