This pasta in tomato basil sauce is a quick, flavorful dinner for two, ready in just 15 minutes. With vibrant tomato marinara, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic, it's an easy Italian classic that's both comforting and delicious!
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about 60 ml (¼ cup or 2 fl oz) of pasta cooking water.
Prepare the sauce:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tsp (5 ml) of olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant (avoid burning to prevent bitterness).
Add the marinara:
Pour 250 ml (1 cup or 8.5 fl oz) of tomato marinara sauce into the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Season the sauce:
Add the fresh basil leaves (you can tear them slightly for extra aroma), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook the sauce for about 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.
Serve:
Divide the pasta between two plates, sprinkle with 20 g (¼ cup or 0.7 oz) of grated Parmesan, and garnish with an extra basil leaf if desired. Serve immediately while hot!