Pio Quinto's Classic Spaghetti Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

5. Add chopped fresh basil to the sauce and stir to combine.

6. Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat.

7. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 67g
Protein: 13g
Sodium: 660mg
Sugar: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of spaghetti.
- You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
- You can use dried basil instead of fresh basil.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty version.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Add a splash of red wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to add flavor to the spaghetti.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining in case the sauce needs to be thinned out.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the sauce to avoid scratching the skillet.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large pasta bowl and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Chianti wine

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Steamed broccoli

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the spaghetti to the recommended time to avoid undercooked pasta.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
Spaghetti is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Naples in the 19th century. It quickly became popular throughout Italy and eventually spread to other parts of the world.

Flavor profiles:
This classic spaghetti recipe has a savory and slightly spicy tomato sauce with hints of garlic and basil.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top and a side of garlic bread.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Herbal, Aromatic, Comforting