Whole Wheat Pasta in Tomato Sauce

This recipe offers a delightful combination of healthy whole-grain pasta paired with a rich and creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome. Whole-grain pasta ensures that you get all the essential nutrients, and when combined with a savory sauce made from canned tomatoes, garlic, and onion, it becomes a burst of flavors. The hint of parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance while the fresh or dried herbs infuse the dish with aromatic notes. With a total preparation time of just over 15 minutes, it's ideal for a quick yet delicious meal. The al dente texture of the pasta contrasts beautifully with the smooth tomato sauce, creating a harmonious culinary experience. Whether you're cooking for a family or treating yourself, this pasta dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion. Plus, with easy substitutions and variations, you can tailor it to your personal preferences. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated parmesan and enjoy with your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

300 g whole-grain pasta (any type like spaghetti, penne, or farfalle)
800 g canned tomatoes in their juice
100 ml 10% cream
50 g parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Additional Ingredients

4 cloves of garlic
1 onion
1 tbsp fresh or dried thyme/rosemary/basil
2 tbsp olive oil for frying
Salt
Black pepper

Preparation Time

Total time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add the whole-grain pasta and cook until it is al dente, which should still be slightly firm when bitten. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, finely chop the garlic and onion. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the garlic and onion to the pan and sauté until they're golden brown, releasing a fragrant aroma.
Add the canned tomatoes to the pan. Use a spoon to crush the tomatoes, allowing them to meld with the garlic and onions.
Bring the mixture to a boil and then lower the heat to simmer. Add in your choice of herbs for added aroma and flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender to purée it; otherwise, the chunkier texture works just fine.
Pour in the cream and sprinkle with parmesan cheese, stirring gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the pan with the tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors.
Before serving, sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese for extra richness and a hint of sophistication.
Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion is generously covered in sauce. Enjoy!

Tips

For a vegan version, substitute cream with coconut milk and parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
To add protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.
Experiment with herbs and spices to tailor the sauce to your taste preferences.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 18g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 60g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta while keeping the sauce ingredients the same.
Spicier Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a bit of heat.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad of fresh greens dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
Pair with garlic bread for a complementary side.
Enjoy with a glass of light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Best Places

Pastaio - Artisanal pasta dishes with fresh ingredients. Location: 19 Ganton St, London, UK.
Roscioli - Classic Italian cuisine with a focus on quality. Location: Via dei Giubbonari 21, Rome, Italy.
Trattoria Nerone - Cozy spot with a homely atmosphere. Location: Via Faenza 95/97R, Florence, Italy.
Pasta e Sugo - Fast-service restaurant with a variety of pasta dishes. Location: Carrer del Rosselló, 174, Barcelona, Spain.
Pa Pasta - Authentic and modern pasta creations. Location: 180 Hanover St, Boston, USA.
Dar Poeta - Known for its savory pizzas and rich pasta offerings. Location: Vicolo del Bologna, 45, Rome, Italy.
Osteria Morini - Rustic Italian fare with homemade pasta. Location: 218 Lafayette St, New York, USA.
Pastaga - Vibrant bistro with inventive Italian dishes. Location: 6389 Boul St-Laurent, Montreal, Canada.
La Pecora Bianca - Fresh, farm-to-table Italian cuisine. Location: 1133 Broadway, New York, USA.
Cuc Gach Quan - Fusion of Italian and Vietnamese flavors. Location: 10 Dang Tat, Ward Tan Dinh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.