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Pasta with Homemade Tomato Sauce

This pasta with homemade tomato sauce turns fresh roma tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and herbs into a rich, from-scratch sauce tossed with whole grain rotini. It's a wholesome, budget-friendly dinner for four at about $2 a serving.

  • Servings4
  • Prep Time15 min
  • Cook Time30 min
  • Good ForDinner
  • Est. Cost$8.35
  • Per Serving$2.09
Bowl of pasta with homemade tomato sauce and fresh parsley

You Will Need

  • Large pot
  • Saute Pan

Ingredients

  • 4–6 quarts water
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt, divided
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 12 medium roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 10 oz whole grain rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Step 1 In a large pot, bring the water and 1 teaspoon salt to a rolling boil over high heat. Meanwhile, warm 2 tablespoons oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook until the tomatoes break down, about 20 minutes, mashing occasionally to help them along.
  2. Step 2 In a medium sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the onion, peppers, carrots, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sauté 5–7 minutes, or until tender. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3 Continue mashing the tomatoes. Once cooked down, add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well, taste, and adjust seasoning. Reduce the heat to low and simmer.
  4. Step 4 Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir gently. Return to a boil and cook for 9 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain, then toss with the sauce and sautéed vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Printable Recipe Card

Pasta with homemade tomato sauce recipe card with ingredients and instructions

Health Benefits

Tomatoes are a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and some cancers; and the redder the tomato, the more lycopene it contains. Whole grain pasta adds dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

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