Hey, Lykkers! Have you ever craved a comforting bowl of pasta that’s rich, savory, and packed with flavor?
We’re about to show you how to make a delicious tomato basil meat sauce pasta that will warm your hearts and satisfy your taste buds. Join us in the kitchen as we whip up this easy yet delightful dish, perfect for any occasion!
<h3>Ingredients</h3>
Before we begin, let’s gather everything we need to make tomato basil meat sauce pasta:
<b>For the sauce:</b>
• 1 lb (450g) ground meat (chicken, or a vegetarian alternative if preferred)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, diced (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoons sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
<b>For the pasta:</b>
• 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work great)
• Water for boiling
• 1 tablespoon salt (for the pasta water)
<h3>Step-by-Step Instructions</h3>
Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part—cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tasty tomato basil meat sauce pasta in no time.
<b>Step 1: Cook the Pasta</b>
1. Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring it to a boil.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
<b>Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce</b>
1. Once the pasta is cooked, mix it into the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add a little reserved pasta water and stir until you get the consistency you prefer.
2. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
3. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil or grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
<h3>Variations</h3>
Feeling adventurous? Try these ideas to customize your tomato basil meat sauce pasta:
• <b> Vegetarian option:</b> Substitute the ground meat with diced mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground mea alternative. .
• <b> Add some veggies:</b> Mix in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to add color and extra nutrients to the dish.
• <b> Creamy twist:</b> For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese to give it a creamy texture.
We hope this recipe inspires you to make your own tomato basil meat sauce pasta at home. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that can be tailored to your taste. So, Lykkers, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, head to the kitchen, and let’s create some magic!
