Pasta with tomato and basil vegetable sauce

Pasta with Tomato and Basil Vegetable Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of tomato sauce with the freshness of basil and a variety of vegetables. Here’s how to make it:

Pasta with Tomato and Basil Vegetable Sauce

Ingredients:

• For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or more, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
  • Salt, for pasta water

• Optional Toppings:

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes (for heat)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables:

   • Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:

   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   • If the sauce tastes too acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor.
   • Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Finish the Sauce:

   • Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Toss the cooked pasta with the tomato and basil vegetable sauce until well coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce over individual portions of pasta.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
   • Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like.

This pasta with tomato and basil vegetable sauce is a simple yet delicious meal that's perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy!