Recipe: Simple Tomato Pasta

A classic tomato sauce that works with most pasta,

a good base to add other flavours

I often make this one to have as a working lunch. It takes literally minutes to make so I can make it in the morning and take to work or even the night before and so long as it's sealed and refrigerated it will last a good couple of days.

Ingredients:
1 red chilli
2 cloves of garlic
1 tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)
Handful of fresh basil
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
400-500g of pasta (spaghetti or fusilli works best)

Serves 4-5

How to make:

Start by finely chopping the chilli, peel and finely chop the garlic too. Taking your basil, separate the leaves and stalks and finely chop the stalks, putting the leaves aside for the moment.

Next you need to start your pasta. As this works for many different types of pasta you're best following the instructions on the packet for your chosen pasta. Once you've got that started, heat some olive oil in a deep-rim frying pan or saucepan, about two tablespoons should do it. Heat on a medium heat and add the chopped chilli, garlic and basil stalks. Keep stirring the mixture until the garlic starts to brown.

Add your basil leaves (saving a couple to top off when serving) and add the tin of chopped tomatoes. Turn up to high and season with salt and pepper. Stir your sauce well and make sure it doesn't catch, this should take around a minute or so, just enough to make sure the tomatoes are heated through without burning them.

Drain your pasta and add it to your sauce, mixing well and seasoning again to taste. You're now ready to serve, add the couple of extra basil leaves to the top. You can also add any of the below to give it a little more flavour.

Serving suggestions:

Top your pasta with grated Parmesan cheese
You can also add any fresh or frozen veg to bulk it out. Some julienne carrots, broccoli, or my favourite, peas
Add some Parma Ham over the top of your pasta
Try adding a tin of tuna (drained) into the sauce, or some cooked prawns