Today it is an icon of Italian cuisine, but tomato pasta has a fascinating and fairly recent history. Pasta is an ancient food, but the tomato, originally from the Americas, only arrived in Europe in the 16th century.
Initially viewed with suspicion and used only as an ornamental plant, it was not until the 18th century that the tomato began to be used in cooking, mainly in southern Italy, where the warm, sunny climate favoured its cultivation.
The Origin of Tomato Pasta
The combination of pasta and tomato is said to have its origins in Naples, a city that has always had a special relationship with pasta. The first real tomato pasta recipe dates back to the early 19th century. The simplicity and availability of ingredients made tomato pasta a natural choice for Neapolitan families.
The popularity of an Italian tradition
The diffusion of tomato pasta in Italy was slow but steady. At first limited to the South, the recipe gradually spread to the North. This process was accelerated by industrialisation and the subsequent mass production of dry pasta, which made pasta more accessible to all social classes. At the same time, Italian cooks began to perfect the tomato sauce, adding basil, garlic, olive oil and other ingredients to enhance its flavour. This helped make tomato pasta not only a popular dish but also a symbol of Italian culinary quality and tradition.
An affordable recipe
Pasta with tomato sauce has become popular for several reasons. Firstly, the ingredients needed to prepare it are cheap and easily available, making it accessible even to less affluent families. Moreover, pasta with tomato sauce is a nutritious dish, providing essential carbohydrates and vitamins, and can be prepared in large quantities without taking too much time.
Another reason for its success is its versatility. Tomato pasta can be served as a main dish or as a base for more complex dishes, adding meat, fish or vegetables. This makes it suitable for a variety of palates and dietary preferences.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Tomato pasta continues to be loved for its simplicity and authenticity. In a world where food trends come and go, pasta al pomodoro remains a staple, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia. It is a dish that can be prepared quickly, but never compromises on taste.
Today, tomato pasta is also a symbol of the Mediterranean diet, which is recognised worldwide for its health benefits. The main ingredients – pasta, tomato, olive oil and basil – are all healthy, natural foods that contribute to a balanced diet. Moreover, tomato pasta is incredibly versatile.
It can be prepared in many variations, from the classic one with tomato and basil to more elaborate versions with the addition of meat, fish or vegetables. This makes it a dish suitable for every occasion, from family dinners to festive lunches.
Valdigrano pasta shapes perfect for tomato pasta
In addition to the choice of ingredients, a key aspect in enhancing the flavour of tomato sauce is the choice of pasta shapes. Some shapes, in fact, bond better with the sauce, keeping all the flavour in each forkful. Here are a few suggestions:
Valdigrano pasta shapes ideal for tomato pasta
Spaghetti: the icon of pasta, naturally wrapped in tomato.
Penne rigate: the grooves hold the sauce well, giving an explosion of flavour.
Fusilli: the helical shape catches the sauce, making each bite rich and creamy.
Rigatoni: perfect for thick, full-bodied sauces, with the inside filling up with sauce.
For those looking for high quality and excellent hold during cooking, Valdigrano pasta is the ideal choice. Made from selected grains and processed with careful and innovative methods, it always keeps its ‘al dente’ texture and goes perfectly with the simple goodness of tomato sauce. Whether you prefer the long or short format, the important thing is to choose a pasta that enhances the fresh and intense flavour of the sauce, contributing to the magic that has always accompanied pasta with tomato sauce.
More than just a dish, tomato pasta is a symbol of Italian culture and tradition that, with the right pasta, always gives great culinary satisfaction thanks to its simplicity, versatility and goodness.
