Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • kosher salt
  • 1 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes (, with purée)
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves (, peeled and smashed)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 sprigs fresh basil or oregano (, plus more basil for garnish)
  • 1 pound dried penne pasta (, or other favorite pasta of your choice)

Instruction

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt.
  • Meanwhile, begin preparing the marinara. Pour the tomatoes and purée into a bowl and crush with your hands or the the back of a spoon, then set aside.
  • In a large cold skillet, add the extra-virgin olive oil and garlic cloves, and bring to medium heat. As the garlic begins to sizzle, stir occasionally, and cook until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes. Monitor the heat so the garlic doesn't cook too quickly or burn.
  • Very carefully stir the tomato paste into the garlic and oil—take care so the oil doesn't splatter and burn you as the paste is added—and cook for 1-2 minutes. Carefully spoon the tomatoes into the pan with the oil and paste and season with salt and pepper. Add the basil sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce to a bubbling simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Stir to mix the oil that rises to the top, then discard the basil sprigs and garlic.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water until 2 minutes shy of suggested cooking time on the packaging. Use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the pasta directly to the sauce to continue cooking until tender but still toothy. Toss the pasta to coat it well, and add 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta water if needed to extend the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.