Use Tomatoes While Cheap

Unlock the full potential of summer’s bounty with "Use Tomatoes While Cheap," a delightfully simple one-pot pasta recipe that makes the most of ripe, juicy tomatoes at their peak. Perfectly blending fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of garlic, this dish brings authentic Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table in just 40 minutes. The magic happens as dried spaghetti cooks directly in a tomato-infused broth, creating a rich, silky sauce that clings to every strand. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes elevate the dish, while optional sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this budget-friendly recipe celebrates seasonal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 medium ripe tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 12 ounces dried spaghetti
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash and dice the tomatoes into small chunks. Mince the garlic and finely chop the yellow onion.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar (if the tomatoes are very acidic). Stir and cook the tomatoes for 5 minutes until they begin to break down and release their juices.

Step 5

Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 6

Add the dried spaghetti into the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and stir them into the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately with grated Parmesan sprinkled on top. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2285.7 grams (2285.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2056

Total Fat 62.00g	79%
Saturated Fat 16.40g	82%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 4295mg	187%
Total Carbohydrate 308.60g	112%
Dietary Fiber 31.10g	111%
Total Sugars 40.40g
Protein 69.00g	138%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 728mg	56%
Iron 16mg	90%
Potassium 2874mg	61%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.0%

Protein: 13.3%

Carbs: 59.7%