This Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce is a celebration of ripe summer tomatoes and simple pantry staples. It's a rustic Italian-inspired dish where vine-ripened tomatoes are peeled, seeded, and gently simmered with garlic, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of tomato paste to concentrate the flavor. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this pasta is a weeknight favorite for its brightness, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. It's a delicious way to enjoy tomatoes at their peak with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 7 tomatoes (medium, ripe, peeled, seeded, and cut into small pieces (approx. 3 cups))
- 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped )
- 2 tbsp Parmesan (grated )
Instructions
Step 1: Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Start Sauce Base
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3: Add Tomato Ingredients
- Add chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Finish Sauce
- Stir in remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and chopped fresh basil.
- Let simmer another minute or so.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Place pasta in a large bowl.
- Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat.
- Top with grated Parmesan and serve immediately.
Tips
- Use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter flavor and less prep work.
- Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Swap basil for parsley or oregano for a different herb profile.
- For protein, add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken before serving.
- Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan or using a plant-based substitute.
Nutrition
Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 928IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
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