Main dishes · Halloween
The Before-Trick-or-Treating Pasta
A simple Halloween tomato pasta for the hour before trick-or-treating: familiar flavors, one pot, and a real dinner on the table before the candy negotiations begin.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4 servings
The recipe card
The Before-Trick-or-Treating Pasta
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 20 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) short pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups (720 ml) water, plus more as needed
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, optional
Method
- Warm oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Cook onion for 5 minutes, stirring. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add tomatoes, water, oregano, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then stir in pasta.
- Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 12–15 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Add water a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with Parmesan if desired.
Make Ahead
Up to 2 days ahead: dice the onion and refrigerate. It is a one-pot dinner, so it is quickest made fresh before the costumes go on.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers covered up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of water, since the pasta keeps absorbing sauce.
Make It a Meal
Goes well with:
