How to do the best pasta with La San Marzano tomato sauce

To make a delicious pasta with San Marzano tomato sauce, it's essential to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet and rich flavor, are perfect for a simple yet irresistible sauce. Here's how to prepare it.

Ingredients:

  • 400g (about 14 oz) of pasta (preferably spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni)

  • 1 can (about 400g/14 oz) of San Marzano peeled tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 garlic cloves

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)

  • Fresh basil leaves

  • Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)

Preparation:

  • Prepare the sauce: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and cook for 1-2 minutes, until they become golden, but be careful not to burn them. Once done, remove the garlic from the pan to avoid the flavor becoming too strong.
  • Cook the tomatoes: Add the San Marzano peeled tomatoes to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to lightly crush them, releasing their juice. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. If you like, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Once the pasta is ready, reserve a bit of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
  • Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to make the sauce creamier.
  • Finish the dish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve immediately with a nice glass of red wine.

With these simple steps, you'll have a pasta dish with an authentic, rich flavor that highlights the quality of the San Marzano tomatoes. Enjoy your meal!  

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