Main dishes
The Before-Trick-or-Treating Pasta
A real dinner before the candy negotiations. One pot, familiar flavors, and no decorative eyeballs required.
- Makes
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 10 minutes
- Cook
- 20 minutes

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.