Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 6 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for making sauce
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.
2. While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add chopped tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes have broken down and sauce has thickened.
4. Add chopped basil to the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Drain spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to combine.
6. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 450
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes if they are not in season.
- You can use dried basil instead of fresh basil if you don't have any on hand.
Variations:
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce for a heartier meal.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to flavor the spaghetti.
- Use a large skillet to make the sauce so that it has enough room to cook down and thicken.
- Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if it is too thick.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover spaghetti with tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat spaghetti with tomato sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve spaghetti with tomato sauce in a large pasta bowl for family-style serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped basil leaves for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
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 cook down for a few more minutes until it thickens.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the spaghetti to al dente to avoid overcooking and making it mushy.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly to avoid foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Spaghetti with tomato sauce is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed for generations.
Flavor profiles:
- The tomato sauce is tangy and slightly sweet, while the spaghetti is savory and slightly nutty.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve spaghetti with tomato sauce as a main dish for a family dinner or a casual dinner party.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Tomato, Garlicky, Onion, Tomato-Y, Onion-Y