Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, draped in a rich, vibrant red sauce that promises to transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a simple yet magical culinary experience that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned home chef, this spaghetti and red sauce recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that's guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 400g of spaghetti, 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of basil, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese for serving.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water; this will enhance the flavor of the spaghetti.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 400g of spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Pour the 2 cups of crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon of basil, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- After the sauce has simmered for 20 minutes, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the red sauce. Toss gently to coat the spaghetti evenly with the sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute. Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade spaghetti and red sauce!
Tips
- Salt is Your Friend: Don't be shy with salt in your pasta water. It should taste like the sea to properly season your spaghetti from the inside out.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. This ensures a perfect texture that holds up to the sauce.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- Low and Slow Sauce: Let your tomato sauce simmer gently. This allows the flavors to develop and concentrate, creating a deeper, more complex taste.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: If possible, use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic flavor profile.
- Cheese Makes Everything Better: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is not just a garnish – it's the final touch that elevates the entire dish.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of red wine to your sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
