🍝 Classic Macaroni and Tomato
A comforting, budget-friendly dish, macaroni and tomato combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect as a main or a side!
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to reduce acidity)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried basil or oregano
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook pasta:
Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the tomato sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
3. Add tomatoes and seasoning:
Stir in diced tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Simmer 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine:
Add cooked macaroni to the tomato sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
5. Optional topping:
Sprinkle with Parmesan or cheddar before serving.
🍴 Tips & Variations
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Stir in fresh spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.
- For a creamier version, add ¼ cup milk or cream to the sauce before mixing with pasta.
If you want, I can make a super quick 15-minute stovetop version that tastes just as good. Do you want me to do that?
