If you’re looking for an easy and affordable dinner recipe, then pasta pomodoro is the perfect choice.
This classic Italian dish is simple to make and requires only a handful of ingredients, making it one of the most economical meals around.
Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, this delicious pasta recipe is sure to be a hit!
What is Pasta Pomodoro?
Pasta Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish that features fresh, simple ingredients.
It’s a healthy pasta recipe that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
The name “Pasta Pomodoro” literally translates to “tomato pasta” in Italian, which is fitting considering that tomatoes are the star ingredient of the dish.
To make this dish even easier I used canned, peeled whole tomatoes. It may not be a fresh ingredient, but it helps speed up the time it takes to prepare.
Essentially, Pasta Pomodoro is a combination of cooked pasta, tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil.
This dish is perfect for those who are looking for a delicious, affordable and healthy meal option. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to suit your personal taste preferences.
How to make Pasta Pomodoro:
Gather your ingredients:
- 12 oz. spaghetti noodles (use a food scale to make sure it’s accurate)
- 28 oz. whole peeled tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic
- Fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper
Optional ingredients include grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes.
Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
Add the whole tomatoes (including the juice), salt, black pepper, and fresh basil. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes have started to break down and release their juices.
I used a masher to break down the tomatoes. It’s also great for mashing potatoes, avocado, and beans.
Reduce the heat to low, and add your cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a little bit of the pasta cooking water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the tomato sauce.
This healthy pasta recipe is easy to make and packs a ton of flavor in every bite. Try adding some cooked shrimp or grilled chicken to the mix for an extra boost of protein.
Calculating Weight Watchers Points:
There are two different ways you can calculate this based on the serving size. If you want six servings, which are about 3/4 cup per serving, it is 7 points.
Click here to track the points on your WW app.
If you want to track it as four servings, which would be a little over 1 cup per serving, it is 10 points.
Tips and Variations:
- As I mentioned above, adding protein to this dish is a great idea. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are all great options.
- Change up the pasta – Pasta Pomodoro is traditionally made with spaghetti, but you can try using penne or rigatoni.
- Lower the carbs – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Use different tomatoes – Using different types of tomatoes will add different flavors to your dish. Cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or San Marzano tomatoes can all be used.
- Add herbs and spices – While traditional Pomodoro sauce is made with basil, you can experiment with other herbs such as parsley or oregano. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes for some extra heat.
- Make it creamy – Add some fat free half and half to give your dish a rich and indulgent flavor.
- Add vegetables – Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can add some extra nutrients to your dish and give it a fresh twist.
Yield: 6 servings
Click here to track the points on your WW app.
- 12 oz. uncooked spaghetti noodles
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 28 oz. peeled whole tomatoes (with juice)
- 6 basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and chopped garlic to the pan, cooking until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
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Add the whole tomatoes (including the juice), 1 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and fresh basil. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes have started to break down and release their juices.
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Use a masher to break down the tomatoes.
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Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the tomato sauce.
Here are some more WW friendly recipes:
Tasty and Light Bacon Spinach Pasta
If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out.
If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!
Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 100 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!
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