Homemade Pappardelle Pasta with Rich Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

  • 200g Pappardelle pasta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 400g canned chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pappardelle pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until they are soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the canned chopped tomatoes and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  4. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your liking.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to ensure every strand of pasta is coated in the sauce.
  6. Stir in the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve the pasta with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked and shredded chicken or grilled shrimp for a protein boost.
  • Replace the pappardelle pasta with your favorite type of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
  • Create a creamy version by stirring in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
  • Spice it up by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of chili powder.
  • Experiment with different herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme for added flavor.
  • Add some grated lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Include some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a more robust flavor.

Recipe overview

This delightful Pappardelle recipe is a simple and tasty dish that is perfect for a midweek meal or any special occasion. With its wide, flat noodles, Pappardelle pasta acts as the perfect carrier for the flavorful tomato and basil sauce. The addition of a little sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, providing a deeper flavor to the sauce. Topped off with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. The best part is that the cooking process is straightforward and requires few ingredients. In less than an hour, you'll have a hearty, delicious meal on your table. Enjoy this Pappardelle recipe as a warm, comforting dinner any night of the week.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of pappardelle? Yes, you can use a different type of pasta if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned chopped tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned chopped tomatoes. Simply dice the fresh tomatoes and cook them down in the skillet until they soften and form a sauce-like consistency.
  3. Can I add other ingredients to the sauce? Absolutely! You can customize the sauce by adding ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked meat. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
  4. How long does this recipe take to make? The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure to check the ingredients of the Parmesan cheese to ensure it is suitable for vegetarians.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy the pappardelle immediately after cooking, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the sauce and cook the pasta when you're ready to serve.
  7. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Pappardelle, a pasta that hails from the Tuscan region of Italy, is known for its broad, flat ribbons that are perfect for soaking up hearty sauces. While the exact origin story of pappardelle is not known, it is often associated with the hunting season in Tuscany. Hunters would return with game, such as hare or wild boar, and the cooks would prepare these meats in a rich, slow-cooked ragù sauce. Pappardelle, with its wide shape and sturdy texture, became the pasta of choice to serve with these robust, meaty sauces. The name "pappardelle" itself is thought to come from the Italian verb "pappare," which means to gobble up – an accurate description of how one tends to eat this delicious pasta dish!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.