Ingredients
Scale
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up a dish that’s both comforting and fun:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work well)
- 1 cup ketchup (preferably organic for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Feel free to substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist or toss in some sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.
Instructions
Ready to dive in? Let’s bring this nostalgic dish to life:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the ketchup, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce begins to simmer.
- Return the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
