About This Recipe
This pasta dish combines al dente spaghetti with a rich tomato-based sauce. It emphasizes balanced flavors and simple techniques to create a satisfying meal. Preparation requires standard kitchen equipment and common ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires minimal specialized equipment
- Uses readily available ingredients
- Adaptable to dietary restrictions
- Balanced texture and flavor profile
- Suitable for quick weeknight meals
Ingredients
- 400g dried spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 800g canned whole tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
- Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour canned tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them apart with a spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer sauce uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
- Combine cooked spaghetti with sauce in the skillet.
- Toss pasta with sauce for 2 minutes, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Divide among plates and garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve with grated Parmesan if desired.
FAQ
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes. Substitute 1kg ripe fresh tomatoes for canned, adjusting cooking time as needed.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredient labels.
Can I add protein?
Cooked ground meat, poultry, or legumes may be added during step 5.
You Must Know
- Pasta water starch is essential for sauce emulsification
- Undercooking pasta by 1 minute before finishing in sauce maintains texture
- Acidity of tomatoes varies by brand; adjust seasoning at end
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently with added water or broth to restore consistency
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in pasta
- Store sauce separately for best results
Enjoy!