tomato and spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best tomato and spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making tomato and spaghetti for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. This classic Italian recipe is a staple in many households, and for good reason.

It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. I love that it’s a great way to get my kids to eat their veggies – they’ll never know they’re getting a serving of tomatoes with every bite!

My family and I enjoy this recipe so much that we often have it for dinner on special occasions, like holidays or birthdays. It’s also a great option for a quick weeknight meal when we’re short on time.

One of the best things about tomato and spaghetti is the flavor combination – the tangy tomatoes pair perfectly with the savory spaghetti sauce. And let’s not forget the health benefits: tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect against cell damage.

Spaghetti, made from durum wheat semolina, is a good source of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Together, they make a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s hard to beat.

Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce

4.9 from 1792 votes

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring homemade tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked spaghetti. This recipe is simple to make and delicious to eat.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

12 oz spaghetti
1 tsp salt

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

For Serving

grated Parmesan cheese
fresh basil leaves

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4The spaghetti is done when it has a slight bite to it and is tender but not mushy.
5Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
6While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
7Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
8Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
9The garlic will be fragrant and lightly golden.
10Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan.
11Stir well to combine.
12Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
13Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together.
15Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
16Divide the cooked spaghetti among plates.
17Spoon the tomato sauce over the spaghetti.
18Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
19Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can use canned tomatoes with herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a richer sauce, use canned tomatoes with herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also add some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a heartier meal.

This tomato and spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight meal. It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for later use. When reheating, simply heat up some olive oil in a pan over medium heat then add your leftovers along with some grated parmesan cheese if desired.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

1. What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?

Tomatoes come in all shapes and sizes, but for this recipe you want to use either cherry or grape tomatoes – they’re sweeter and less acidic than larger tomatoes.

2. Can I use fresh or canned tomatoes?

Both fresh and canned tomatoes work well in this recipe – just be sure to drain the excess liquid from canned tomatoes before using them.

3. What is the ideal spaghetti shape for this recipe?

The shape of the spaghetti doesn’t matter too much – but if you want to get fancy you can use whole wheat spaghetti for a nuttier flavor.

4. Can I add meat to this recipe?

You can definitely add meat to this recipe – ground beef or pork work well as does bacon bits.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time – just cook the spaghetti al dente before adding it to the sauce.

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