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Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
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Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a quick, classic Italian dish featuring tender spaghetti pasta served with a savory, aromatic tomato sauce made from simple pantry staples. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe offers comforting flavors with fresh basil, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Easily customizable with protein, veggies, or spices, it’s a budget-friendly meal that brings the warmth of Italian cooking right to your table.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Spaghetti – 12 ounces (about 340 grams)

Tomato Sauce

  • Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Onion – 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Canned tomatoes (whole peeled or crushed) – 28 ounces (800 grams)
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional) – ¼ teaspoon
  • Fresh basil leaves – ½ cup, torn

Toppings

  • Parmesan cheese – freshly grated, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic finely. Open the canned tomatoes and set aside. Tear fresh basil leaves roughly when ready to add to the sauce.
  2. Cook the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Simmer the Tomato Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet, breaking up whole tomatoes with a spoon if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the flavors meld.
  4. Cook the Spaghetti: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving one cup of pasta water for thinning the sauce if needed.
  5. Combine and Finish: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in torn basil leaves. Toss the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
  6. Serve Hot with Toppings: Plate the spaghetti and generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Choose quality ingredients like ripe canned tomatoes and good olive oil for better flavor.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente to avoid sogginess.
  • Simmer the sauce low and slow to deepen flavors.
  • Use reserved pasta water to help the sauce stick nicely to the noodles.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their aroma and vibrant color.
  • Season gradually, tasting and adjusting salt, acidity, and heat as you go.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, tomato sauce, Italian, easy recipe, pasta, classic, family friendly, quick meal

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