Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This recipe transforms humble tomato soup into a surprisingly satisfying and flavorful pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this easy recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. It's one of those healthy meals that tastes incredibly indulgent, making it a winner for busy cooks seeking delicious dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 (28 ounce) can of high-quality tomato soup (look for low sodium options for healthier meals)
- 1 cup of water or vegetable broth (for adjusting consistency)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for richness – optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (any short pasta shape like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or shells work well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
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Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, combine the tomato soup, water (or broth), heavy cream (or coconut milk), oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Stir well to combine.
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Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the tomato soup sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Serve and enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Pasta Recipes:
- Use good quality tomato soup: The better the soup, the better the final dish will taste. Look for soups with minimal added sugar.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a good dish. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices like red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked sausage, ground beef, or chickpeas. This makes it a fantastic quick dinner idea.
- Make it vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini added during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Pasta: Increase the amount of heavy cream or coconut milk for an extra creamy sauce.
- Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Tomato Pasta: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese along with the Parmesan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: Around 10-15 grams
- Fat: Around 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 45-55 grams
This easy recipe for pasta with tomato soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your liking, making it a great option for homemade cooking. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful comfort food!