There's something comforting, warm, and satisfying about a bowl of pasta. Whether it's a quick dinner after work or a weekend treat, pasta brings joy to the table. And the best part?

We don't need to be professional chefs to cook a truly delicious Italian pasta dish.

With a few simple ingredients and some basic steps, we can turn plain pasta into something rich, flavorful, and completely crave-worthy. Let's learn how to make a classic tomato-based pasta that never fails!

Step 1: Choose the Right Pasta Type

Not all pasta is created equal. Some shapes hold sauces better, while others are better for lighter dishes.

For this recipe, we'll use spaghetti — it's easy to find and works well with tomato sauce. But feel free to try penne, linguine, or fettuccine depending on what you have at home.

Make sure to choose high-quality dry pasta (look for those made with durum wheat) or go fresh if you feel adventurous!

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Here's what we'll need for a simple and tasty pasta meal (serves 2):

• 200g of spaghetti

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 2–3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 medium tomatoes or 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

• A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

• Grated cheese (parmesan or any kind you like)

These ingredients are affordable and easy to find — and that's what makes this pasta recipe so great for everyday cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to season the water, then add the pasta. Stir to keep it from sticking.

Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente — meaning it still has a little bite to it. Don't overcook! We want the pasta to hold its shape and soak up the sauce later.

Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the pasta water. We'll use it later to help the sauce stick better.

Step 4: Make the Sauce from Scratch

While the pasta is cooking, let's work on the sauce.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion, and sauté until they're soft and golden. Add in the diced tomatoes and stir.

Let the sauce simmer for about 8–10 minutes. If the tomatoes are too sour, a tiny bit of sugar can help balance the flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir in some chopped basil or parsley for freshness.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water — it helps bring everything together with a silky texture.

Let the pasta cook in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors can blend nicely.

Top it off with grated cheese, more herbs if you like, and serve warm.

Tips for an Even Better Pasta

• Use fresh tomatoes in season for the best flavor.

• Don't skip the pasta water — it's like liquid gold for the sauce.

• Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually.

• Want protein? You can add sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or tofu.

Let's Cook Together!

Making great pasta doesn't mean spending hours in the kitchen or using fancy tools. With the right steps and a bit of love, we can turn a few simple ingredients into a meal that makes everyone smile.

So Lykkers, have you tried making your own pasta sauce at home? Or do you have your own secret ingredient? Share your thoughts — and let's make pasta night a regular thing in all our homes!