Simple Yet Delicious Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce Recipe
One of the simplest, tastiest pasta dishes you can make is spaghetti with tomato sauce. It’s a timeless Italian dish that appeals to young and old alike. The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients and it’s done in a flash! Whether you are cooking for one or a whole family, this dish makes for a quick and comforting meal.
In this blog, we will prepare spaghetti with tomato sauce by following an easy step-by-step recipe and a few tips to make sure you enjoy your meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
10 Simple Ingredients: My kind of minimalism.
Easy to Prepare: It takes 30 minutes in all.
Healthy and Delicious: This version is made from scratch with fresh tomatoes, garlic and herbs, so it’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.
Easy on the Bank Balance: It is a cheap meal that tastes great.
Now, let’s get started!
Ingredients (serves 2-3 people)
For the Spaghetti:
200g spaghetti
1 liter water
1 teaspoon salt
For the Tomato Sauce:
4 ripe tomatoes (or 1 cup canned tomatoes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (chopped)
1 small onion (chopped)
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano or basil (or fresh basil leaves)
½ teaspoon sugar (to cut the acidity)
For Garnishing (Optional):
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Boil Water: Place 1 liter of water in a large pot and place over high heat to bring to a furious boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt.
Add Spaghetti: Stir the spaghetti into the boiling water, gently, so it doesn’t stick.
Cook Until Al Dente: Follow the package for the cook time (generally, 8-10 minutes). The spaghetti should be al dente or firm, but not hard.
Drain the Water: Use a strainer to drain the pasta. Don’t rinse it the starch is what helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
SET ASIDE: Hold the spaghetti warm until the sauce is ready.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
Prepare the Tomatoes: For fresh tomatoes, blend them to a smooth puree. If using canned tomatoes, do not crush them completely.
Heat the oil: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Onion
Then add chopped garlic and onions. Cook for 2-3 mins til soft and fragrant.
In the Tomatoes: Add the pureed or crushed Tomatoes. Stir well.
Season the Sauce: Salt, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), oregano, sugar. Stir everything together.
Simmer: While the sauce simmers for 10-15 minutes, just until it thickens. Stir occasionally.
Taste and Adjust: If the sauce tastes too sour, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of water.
Step 4: Mix and Serve
Toss Spaghetti with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss it all together until the pasta is fully coated.
Final Touches: If using fresh basil, toss it in now. You can also grate a few pieces of parmesan cheese on the top for added taste.
Tip: Transfer to a plate and enjoy.
How to Make the Best Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce
Use a Good Quality Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes make the most flavorful sauce. If you use canned, choose the whole peeled.
Cook the Sauce Longer: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the richer and tastier it becomes.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For best texture, spaghetti should be “al dente” (firm to the bite).
Save Some Pasta Water Adding a little pasta water to the sauce smooths it out and helps it cling to the spaghetti.
Spice It Up: A dash of chili flakes or a swirl of balsamic vinegar can boost the flavor.
Fun Variations to Try
Veggie Spaghetti: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
Spaghetti with Meatballs: Serve with homemade or store-bought meatballs for an Italian-American classic.
Creamy Tomato Spaghetti: Add a touch of cream or cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
Spicy Arrabbiata Spaghetti: For a hot version add 5 chili flakes.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti al pomodoro is a timeless dish that will never go out of style. It’s simple to make, full of flavor and always satisfying. So, whether cooking for a quick lunch or a cosy dinner with family and friends, this recipe is sure to appeal to all.
So, get into the kitchen with your ingredients to begin cooking, who knows, a few steps away this perfect plate of spaghetti could be all yours.
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