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Pasta Pomodoro is a classic simple pasta dish with tomatoes, olive oil, onions and garlic. It is a hearty meatless dinner you can have on the table in 20 minutes.
When it comes to meatless dishes, I have to say, my guys aren’t usually fans. I try to cook meatless once a week and each time I get the dreaded “where’s the meat question?”
But not with pasta pomodoro.
When I make Pasta Pomodoro my boys gobble it up and there is no mention of the lack of meat. There is just something about the classic combo of tomato sauce, basil and pasta that make this dish a family favorite.
And it has been a favorite of my husband’s dating all the way back to our Olive Garden date night’s as teenagers. This recipe is my version of that restaurant classic.
The best part of all, is that this quick, easy, family friendly meal can be on your table in 20 minutes!
What is pasta pomodoro?
Pasta Pomodoro, or Capellini Pomodoro as it is often called, could not be simpler. Pomodoro literally means “tomato” in Italian. It is essentially thin pasta and a simple tomato sauce. In the case of this recipe, the tomato sauce is made with canned tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil and a little crushed red pepper.
While the crushed red pepper adds a little bit of heat, it is not overpowering and my kiddos will still eat it. If you’re worried leave them out and then put them in a bowl on the table so everyone can add their desired amount.
Capellini Pasta vs Spaghetti
Sometimes when I stand in the pasta aisle, I am amazed at all of the different varieties available. There are different shapes, different sizes and different colors. For this dish you’re going to want to use a rod shaped pasta.
Rod shaped pastas are usually long pastas. And, to make things extra confusing, there are different thicknesses. From bucatini which is a thick to Angel Hair which is the thinnest. And traditional spaghetti falls somewhere in the middle. Most often, pasta pomodoro is made with capellini or angel hair pasta but any rod shaped pasta will do.
I would avoid the flat pastas like fettuccine or linguine and save those for use with heartier sauces.
How do you make pasta pomodoro?
My favorite thing about this capellini pomorodo recipe is that it is done in under 30 minutes.
STEP #1: Start your water and boil the pasta according to package directions.
STEP #2: Meanwhile heat the extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, basil and crushed red pepper. Saute until onions and garlic are slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and salt and pepper, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer while you wait for your noodles to finish.
STEP #3: After draining the noodles, add them to the pasta and toss to coat.
If you want to add some protein to this dish, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be perfect!
Finally, because carbs are life, I always serve my pastas with a side of the best (and easiest!) garlic bread. And wine. Obviously.
If you love this Pasta Pomodoro recipe, check out my other pasta recipes! Here are some of my favorites:
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Pasta Amatriciana
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta
Aglio e Olio
Pulled Pork Pasta
Note: This post was originally written in 2008. It was updated in 2020.
Pasta Pomodoro
Pasta Pomodoro is a classic simple pasta dish with tomatoes, olive oil, onions and garlic. Best of all, this dinner can be on the table in under 20 minutes!
5 from 20 votes
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 288 kcal
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic diced
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start the pot of water for your noodles according to the package directions.
Meanwhile heat the extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, about a minute or so, add onions, garlic, basil and crushed red pepper. Saute until onions and garlic are slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes and salt and pepper, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer while you wait for your noodles to finish.
Add noodles to the tomato sauce and stir to combine (Note: Make sure you strain as much water as possible from the noodles before adding them to the sauce). Cook over medium heat until the noodles are warmed through. About 3-5 minutes.
Notes
Please note nutrition facts not guaranteed.
Nutrition
Calories: 288kcalCarbohydrates: 47.9gProtein: 9.9gFat: 6.7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 1190mgFiber: 1.9gSugar: 3.9g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: capellini pomdoro, italian, onions, pasta, Recipe, tomatoes, vegan
Leave a Comment
Reply
Dolly
May 7, 2022 at 6:45 pm
Delicious! So glad that I saved this recipe the 1st time I saw it. Exactly what I was looking for to make today! Turned out great thank you!
Reply
Deseree
May 7, 2022 at 7:03 pm
You are so welcome, Dolly! Glad you enjoyed it!!
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Ella
March 21, 2022 at 2:48 pm
This looks delicious. The family loves great pasta dishes for dinner.
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Jennifer
April 19, 2021 at 11:03 am
I love making Pasta Pomodoro and have been making it ever since Olive Garden took it off their menu years ago and I had to figure out how to make it myself. I do add another seasoning that makes it taste amazing, I put in about 1/2 tsp of Beau Monde seasoning when I add the tomatoes and it gives such a unique delicious flavor. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Reply
Daniel
February 23, 2021 at 4:24 pm
Ms Des, I just make this for dinner and may I say this is one of the best I have ever had, I have been looking for a good pasta dish that did not call for 10 to 20 things to put in it with or without meal.
I try and tell people that the simply way of cooking is always the best, just a few things in it and let the meal talk for it self and believe me Ms Des, This meal does just that. Again Thank you so very much and I look forward to trying more great recipes of yours.
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Deseree
February 23, 2021 at 9:29 pm
Hi Daniel, I am so happy to hear that! I love cooking simple too. Let each ingredient shine!
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Daniel
February 23, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Ms Des, Thank you so very much for this Great meal!!!!!
This will be my go to pasta meal.
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Debbie
September 3, 2020 at 5:53 pm
Made for supper tonight and it was delicious. Will make again for sure.
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Deseree
September 3, 2020 at 8:59 pm
So happy to hear that!
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Debbie
September 2, 2020 at 12:42 pm
I want to make this for dinner, but have a question, do you strain the liquid from the canned tomatoes or just dump in the whole can?
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Deseree
September 2, 2020 at 1:43 pm
Hi Debbie! You can dump in the whole can :)
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Latina
August 11, 2020 at 3:55 pm
I have recently become a pescatarian and this meal fit my needs perfectly. I didn’t even miss the meat. It was simple yet very flavorful. This is definitely going in the rotation.
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Deseree
August 11, 2020 at 6:36 pm
That is so great to hear Latina! Glad you enjoyed it!
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Norma Glennie
July 22, 2020 at 10:00 am
My absolute favorite at Olive Garden but they don’t carry it on the menu any more so if you ask for it and they have the ingredients (and I’m sure if the cook knows the recipe) they will make it for you. So glad to have this recipe and I will be trying it out!!! Thank you!
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Sandra
April 21, 2020 at 1:20 pm
This will quickly become a favorite meal at my house!
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Toni
April 19, 2020 at 10:11 pm
I loved it! Packed full of delicious flavors!!
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Sara Welch
April 19, 2020 at 1:57 pm
Enjoyed this for dinner last night; it was easy and delicious and exactly what I needed! Easily, a new family favorite dish!
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Catalina
April 18, 2020 at 7:23 am
This pasta seems so fresh and flavorful! Yummy!
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Deseree
April 18, 2020 at 8:48 am
It is!
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Cathy
April 17, 2020 at 12:53 pm
One of my favorites from Olive Garden and this is SO much better!
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Deseree
April 17, 2020 at 11:00 pm
Agree!
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Jen
April 17, 2020 at 6:37 am
I love how light and delicious this is! I was lucky enough to have all of the ingredients in my kitchen.
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Deseree
April 17, 2020 at 11:01 pm
Love when that happens!
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Amanda
April 16, 2020 at 3:16 pm
This is by far my favorite pasta dish!
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Deseree
April 16, 2020 at 5:55 pm
So happy to hear Amanda! Ours too!
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Carmella
April 4, 2020 at 6:25 pm
Delicious, just what I wanted and so quick! I added fresh grated Parmesan but next time I’d leave it off. Thank you really delicious
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Deseree
April 5, 2020 at 9:38 am
You are so welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
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Laura
February 3, 2020 at 5:13 pm
This was really good. Used 4 large cloves garlic, fresh grape tomatoes cut in half, bacon bits and sprinkled with sweet paprika. Served with chicken Parmesan. Used the rest of ingredients as recipe reads. I also used 2 tablespoons of butter with olive oil to cook onions and garlic. I added about 2 tablespoons of my homemade garlic butter at the end.
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Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
August 18, 2018 at 9:25 am
Looks like a perfect dinner any night of the week!
Reply
Catalina
August 15, 2018 at 7:15 am
This is a classic! The simplest dishes are always the best!
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Jamielyn
August 15, 2018 at 6:56 am
So yummy! My family would love this!
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Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
August 15, 2018 at 6:25 am
I love easy meals like this for busy weeknights!
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Delaney | Melanie Makes
August 14, 2018 at 5:24 pm
I want to have this for dinner!
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Deseree
June 7, 2013 at 3:01 pm
Janice- Do you mean made in another pot and then just kept warm in the crock pot? I think that would work fine. There isn’t too much of a sauce so if it is kept low the noodles shouldn’t get soggy. If you are talking about cooking the whole thing in the crock pot I am not sure. I have heard of people cooking pasta in a crock pot but I’ve never tried it.
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Janice Mawson
June 7, 2013 at 2:01 pm
Could this be made and kept warm in a crock pot to serve a large crowd?
