Mains
Tomato and Basil Pasta
An easy Mediterranean classic made with everyday pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
How many servings?
3
Quantities are approximate and adjust automatically with your chosen number of servings.
Method
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of the cooking water.
- Gently warm the chopped garlic in the oil. Add the tomatoes and oregano, and simmer the sauce for 12 minutes.
- Toss the drained pasta with the sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water to bring everything together.
- Stir in the fresh basil and adjust the salt to taste.
- Before serving, check: Taste one piece a minute before the packet time: it should be cooked through but still have a little bite.
Beginner-friendly tips
Read these three practical tips before cooking. Check how the food looks and feels, not just the clock.
- Use a large enough pot so the water returns to a boil after adding pasta. Stir during the first minute to prevent sticking.
- Taste one piece a minute before the packet time: it should be cooked through but still have a little bite.
- Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining. Add it by the spoonful to loosen a thick sauce rather than adding lots of extra oil.