🍝 Macaroni and Tomato (Simple Comfort Pasta)
A classic, easy, and slightly tangy pasta dish—perfect for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner. 🍅
🧾 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 2–3 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
- ½ tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried basil or oregano
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta
Boil macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the tomato sauce
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Combine
Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook 1–2 more minutes so the pasta absorbs some flavor.
4️⃣ Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
🍽️ Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Stir in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Use fresh cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for a lighter summer version.
If you want, I can also give you:
- 🍅 Creamy macaroni tomato bake
- 🥓 Bacon tomato macaroni skillet
- 🧄 Garlic tomato macaroni with herbs.
