Delicious Italian Pasta Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish that you can whip up in no time? Our quick and easy Italian pasta recipe is perfect for those days when you're craving something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. This classic Italian favorite is not only a crowd-pleaser but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.

The cooking time for this meal is approximately 20 minutes, which includes the pasta preparation, sauce cooking, and serving. You can easily make enough pasta to serve four people, so it's perfect for a family gathering or a romantic dinner at home. If you're looking to expand your culinary repertoire, give our Italian pasta recipe a try! Let's dive into how to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (225g) of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Salt the water generously as pasta will absorb some of the salt during cooking. While waiting for your pot to come to a boil, prepare your other ingredients: chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Instructions

1. Cooking the Pasta: Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti pasta according to package instructions. Follow the time recommended on the back of the box; typically, it will take about 10-12 minutes for al dente consistency.
2. Prepping the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent and softened, approximately 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3. Add Cherry Tomatoes: Once your pasta is almost done (7-9 minutes before the final cooking time), add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Let these simmer together for another 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
4. Mixing Everything Together: When you’re about a minute away from removing your pasta from the heat source, drain it using a colander, reserving some of the cooking water. Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the tomato-onion-garlic mix and toss gently until the pasta is well coated.
5. Finalizing the Dish: Sprinkle in half of the Parmesan cheese, stir to combine, and then taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. A pinch more salt or a dash more pepper could be all it takes. Stir in the oregano as well at this stage. Once satisfied with your pasta’s flavor, remove from heat.
6. Garnish & Serve: Top each portion of pasta with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for extra color and aroma if desired. Serve immediately while hot!

The rich tomato sauce complements the al dente texture of the spaghetti, making this dish a comforting choice on any day. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to round out your meal.

Additional Tips for Success

• Ensure that you don't overcrowd your skillet when adding pasta; doing so prevents sticking and allows for even cooking.
• The reserved pasta water adds extra richness to the sauce, helping it stick to the pasta more effectively. Use this if needed as a finishing touch.
• If you prefer, you can add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to your tomato sauce mix for added nutrients and color!

Enjoy Your Meal!

Cooking this Italian pasta dish is an easy way to bring back the flavors of Italy right into your home. It's simple, filling, and most importantly, delicious! Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, our quick and easy recipe provides an opportunity to enhance your culinary skills.

Remember, the key to perfect Italian pasta lies in getting that al dente texture—firm yet tender. Once you've mastered this technique, you'll be able to create numerous variations on this theme using different sauces or toppings. So why not try out our easy-to-follow instructions today and impress your family with a traditional yet contemporary taste of Italy?