Quick Tomato & Olive Pasta Sauce
This quick and easy tomato and olive pasta sauce is a weeknight savior, delivering rich, savory flavors in under 30 minutes. Briny black olives perfectly complement the sweet acidity of crushed tomatoes for a deeply satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the wholewheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
Stir in the chopped black olives and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the fresh basil.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately, optionally with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't overcook the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter quickly when burned. Cook it just until fragrant, about 1 minute, before adding the tomatoes.
- 2Use pasta water wisely: The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce, making it cling better to the pasta and adding a silky texture. Add it gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- 3Quality of ingredients matters: Since this recipe is simple, the quality of your crushed tomatoes and olives will significantly impact the final flavor. Look for good quality, ideally Italian, crushed tomatoes.
- 4Rinse your olives: Canned olives can sometimes be overly salty. A quick rinse under cold water can help balance their brininess without losing their flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Brown 4 oz of Italian sausage (casings removed) or diced chicken breast with the onion before adding garlic for a heartier meal.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or thinly sliced zucchini during the last 5 minutes of simmering the sauce for added nutrients and texture.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a more pronounced kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olives and olive oil provide monounsaturated fats, which are known to help lower bad cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
High in Fiber
Using wholewheat pasta significantly boosts the fiber content of the dish, aiding digestion, promoting satiety, and helping to regulate blood sugar.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can! You'll need about 2 lbs of ripe fresh tomatoes (like Roma or plum), blanched, peeled, and crushed. The cooking time for the sauce might need to be extended slightly to allow the fresh tomatoes to break down and their flavors to concentrate.
