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! Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it.
Pasta Pomodoro Ingredients:
My favorite thing about Pasta Pomodoro is that the ingredients are so simple and you’re likely to have them in the pantry already.
- ANGEL HAIR PASTA: This dish is traditionally made with angel hair, or capellini pasta. This thin pasta is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- OLIVE OIL: To saute the onions and garlic.
- YELLOW ONION: You can also use a mild white onion or sweet onion if that is what you have on hand.
- GARLIC: The recipe calls for three but you can measure with your heart.
- DRIED BASIL: The only time I have fresh basil on hand is in the summer, the rest of the year dried basil gets the nod and I always have some in my pantry. It adds a sweet basil flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato sauce.
- CRUSHED RED PEPPER: To add a little bit of heat. It doesn’t add too much spice but you can add more if you like or completely leave it out of you’re worried.
- DICED TOMATOES: Canned diced tomatoes will give this sauce a chunky rustic texture. Don’t drain them. You want to keep that extra liquid for the sauce.
- SALT/PEPPER: Make sure that you use some salt to season the pasta water too!
Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
My favorite thing about this capellini pomodoro recipe is that it is done in under 20 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
Storage and Leftovers:
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
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:
Note: This post was originally written in 2008. Updated in 2025 with new step by step photos and video.
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried angel hair pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (diced)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 28 ounces canned 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.
[…] 24. Pasta Pomodoro […]
You are so welcome, Dolly! Glad you enjoyed it!!
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!
This looks delicious. The family loves great pasta dishes for dinner.
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!
Hi Daniel, I am so happy to hear that! I love cooking simple too. Let each ingredient shine!
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.
Ms Des, Thank you so very much for this Great meal!!!!!
This will be my go to pasta meal.
So happy to hear that!
Made for supper tonight and it was delicious. Will make again for sure.
Hi Debbie! You can dump in the whole can :)
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?
That is so great to hear Latina! Glad you enjoyed it!
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.
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!
This will quickly become a favorite meal at my house!
I loved it! Packed full of delicious flavors!!
Enjoyed this for dinner last night; it was easy and delicious and exactly what I needed! Easily, a new family favorite dish!
It is!
This pasta seems so fresh and flavorful! Yummy!
Love when that happens!
Agree!
One of my favorites from Olive Garden and this is SO much better!
I love how light and delicious this is! I was lucky enough to have all of the ingredients in my kitchen.
So happy to hear Amanda! Ours too!
This is by far my favorite pasta dish!
You are so welcome! So glad you enjoyed it!
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
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.
Looks like a perfect dinner any night of the week!
This is a classic! The simplest dishes are always the best!
So yummy! My family would love this!
I love easy meals like this for busy weeknights!
I want to have this for dinner!
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.
Could this be made and kept warm in a crock pot to serve a large crowd?
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