Print

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Print Recipe

A classic and comforting Italian dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fresh, vibrant tomato sauce made from fresh or canned tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners, offering rich flavors with simple ingredients and fuss-free preparation. Customize it with proteins, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g dried spaghetti

Tomato Sauce

  • 600g fresh ripe tomatoes, diced or 1 can (400g) high-quality canned tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried Italian herbs)

Optional Toppings

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic. If using fresh tomatoes, dice them into small pieces. Gather your herbs and have all ingredients ready before cooking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Tomato Sauce: Add the fresh or canned tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down and sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening. Stir well to coat all the strands evenly.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and grate Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes or good quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
  • Keep pasta al dente to ensure a pleasant texture alongside the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti.
  • Simmer the tomato sauce slowly to develop richer flavors.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to retain their bright flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, tomato sauce, Italian recipe, easy pasta, weeknight dinner, classic Italian, vegetarian pasta, homemade sauce

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/spaghetti-with-tomato-sauce/