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Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 288 kcal

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

  • Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
  • Replace penne with spaghetti, rotini, or shells.
  • Use cherry tomatoes when large ripe tomatoes aren’t available.
  • Add sautéed onions for extra sweetness.
  • Stir in a splash of white wine after the garlic step.
  • Substitute fresh basil with parsley or oregano.
  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • Increase tomato paste for a richer, thicker sauce.
  • Add olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Top with burrata instead of Parmesan for a creamy finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 93mgPotassium: 419mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 928IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
Keyword easy dinner, family meal, fresh tomato sauce, homemade pasta sauce, penne pasta, summer tomatoes, vintage recipe
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