Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

A simple, home-style macaroni and tomatoes dish you can make in one pot.

This macaroni and tomatoes recipe is warm, cheap, and easy. You need few ingredients and little time. The dish uses pasta, ripe tomatoes, onion, garlic, and a bit of oil. It is good for a quick weeknight meal.

Make this recipe because it is fast, filling, and tastes like home. It uses simple pantry items and works when you do not have many fresh foods. If you like simple pasta dishes, you might also enjoy a different pasta idea like green pasta to try another color and flavor.

How to make Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

You cook the macaroni and make a tomato sauce. Then you mix them and heat for a minute. Use good salt and a little sugar if tomatoes are too sour. Finish with fresh basil or grated cheese if you like.

Ingredients :

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acid)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or other cheese (optional)
• Water for boiling pasta

Directions :

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot or a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, 4–5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes. Stir and bring to a low boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stir in cooked macaroni and basil. Mix well and heat 1–2 minutes so flavors join.
7. Turn off heat. Serve hot with grated cheese if you want.

How to serve Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

Serve hot in a bowl. Add grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with plain bread or a small green salad. This dish works as a main meal or a side to roast chicken.

How to store Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

Cool the leftovers to room temperature. Put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in a pan with a splash of water or in the microwave. You can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to make Macaroni and Tomatoes Recipe

• Use pasta that cooks to al dente so it does not turn mushy later.
• If tomatoes are dry, add a little water or broth while cooking.
• Taste and add a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too sour.
• Save some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets thick.
• Use fresh basil at the end for a bright flavor.

Variations

• Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty version.
• Stir in spinach or kale for more greens.
• Use canned tomatoes with basil and add olives for a different taste.
• Stir in cream or milk at the end for a creamy tomato pasta.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Canned diced tomatoes work well and save time.

How long does the pasta keep in the fridge?
Eat within 3–4 days for best taste and safety.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free macaroni and follow the same steps.

Do I need to peel fresh tomatoes?
No. You can cook them unpeeled. If you prefer, blanch and peel first.

Can I add cheese while storing?
It is best to add fresh grated cheese when serving, not before storing.

Macaroni and Tomatoes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A simple, warm, and filling one-pot macaroni and tomatoes dish, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) macaroni
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chopped fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acid)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or other cheese (optional)
• Water for boiling pasta

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot or a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, 4–5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add chopped fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes. Stir and bring to a low boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 8–10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and sugar if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stir in cooked macaroni and basil. Mix well and heat 1–2 minutes so flavors join.
7. Turn off heat. Serve hot with grated cheese if you want.

Notes

Use pasta that cooks to al dente to avoid mushy pasta later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian