Macaroni and Tomatoes
A classic Southern comfort dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender elbow macaroni is simmered in a simple, savory-sweet tomato sauce, creating a nostalgic and budget-friendly meal the whole family will love.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat
- a.Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pour in the undrained canned diced tomatoes, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a steady simmer.
- 4
Add the dry elbow macaroni to the pot
- a.Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is as submerged in the liquid as possible.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes
- a.Stir every 3-4 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking. The pasta is done when it's cooked to al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes
- a.The sauce will continue to thicken. Stir in the fresh parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed before serving hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes or substitute the water with vegetable broth.
- 2If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of water or broth (1/4 cup at a time).
- 3This dish is best served immediately as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce and can become mushy if it sits too long.
- 4Don't skip the resting step at the end! It allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Macaroni
After the dish has rested, stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Meaty VersionMeaty Version
Brown 1/2 pound of ground beef or sausage with the onions in the first step. Drain any excess grease before proceeding with the recipe.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a bit of heat.
Herbaceous FlavorHerbaceous Flavor
Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or oregano to the sauce along with the tomatoes for more complex flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Cooking tomatoes, as in this recipe, makes the lycopene more available for your body to absorb.
Quick and Simple Comfort Food
This dish is a classic comfort food that can be prepared in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples. Having quick, satisfying meal options can help reduce stress during busy weeknights.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of butter and tomatoes.