If I had a plate of creamy white pasta and pasta in red sauce to choose from, I would, in a heartbeat, choose the latter. Although I love creamy pastas, I play favourites with the red, saucy kinds. Tomato-based pastas are fuss-free, require very little effort and are incredibly tasty.
I will be shortly travelling to Europe and I look forward to having amazing food. Yes, pasta is definitely on my list. I will share some of my food adventures with you here on the page.
Now coming to the recipe, I have used simple ingredients that you can play around with to customise the flavours. This linguine in herby tomato mushroom sauce is hearty, comforting and delish.
I love this for days when I can’t be too bothered to make an elaborate meal. It is easy and requires so little effort that before you realise you have a plateful of tasty meal waiting to be devoured.
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- Linguine pasta – 1 fistful
- Water – To cook pasta
- Tomato puree – 1 ½ cups
- Mushrooms (sliced) – ¼ cup
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced finely
- Fresh basil and thyme – 1 stalk each, finely chopped
- Dried mixed herbs – 1 tspn.
- Chilli flakes – As required
- Olive oil – 1 tblspn.
- Salt and pepper – To taste
Directions
- Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
- Drain the cooked pasta.
- In a pan, heat oil.
- To the hot oil, add garlic. Sauté till the garlic is fragrant.
- To it, add the mushrooms. Sauté until the mushrooms are soft and coated in the oil.
- At this stage add the chopped fresh herbs and give it a mix.
- Pour the tomato puree and stir well.
- Season with salt, pepper, chilli flakes and dried herbs.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes or until it thickens.
- Once done, check for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
- Finally, add the cooked pasta.
- Mix to combine the ingredients.
- Without breaking the pasta, coat it in the sauce.
- Alternatively, you could serve the sauce over the pasta.
- Serve warm.
Tips:
- Replace Linguine with other pasta varieties of your choice.
- Add/omit ingredients to suit your preference.
- Sprinkle Parmesan or grated cheese on top of the pasta before serving.
- I used olive oil. You could use other oils or butter to make the sauce.
- Use your favourite fresh/dried herbs. Personally, I love basil in tomato-based pasta sauces.