Spaghetti Pomodoro Recipe (Pasta in Tomato Basil Sauce)
Overview:
A simple and delicious Italian classic, Spaghetti Pomodoro combines perfectly cooked pasta with a fresh, flavorful tomato basil sauce. This dish is a delightful balance of sweetness from the tomatoes, the fragrance of basil, and the subtle heat from chili flakes. It’s ideal for a weeknight meal or a dinner party. The rich flavors of this vegetarian dish, complemented with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, will surely become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh basil leaves | 4 leaves |
| Spaghetti (or bucatini) | 450 grams |
| Red chili flakes | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole black peppercorns, crushed | To taste |
| Parmesan cheese, finely grated | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 550-600 kcal |
| Protein | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 70g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 800-900mg |
| Calcium | 80mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: European
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pomodoro Sauce
To begin, you’ll need to make the tomato puree. If you don’t have homemade tomato puree, use a good quality store-bought one as a substitute. The flavor of the sauce depends largely on the quality of the tomatoes, so ensure you’re using the best available.
Next, heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and toss them in the oil for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
Now, pour in the homemade tomato puree, followed by salt, crushed black pepper, and red chili flakes. Stir everything well, bringing the sauce to a brisk boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Let the sauce simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the garlic’s flavors to infuse into the sauce.
Finally, stir in the fresh basil leaves and turn off the heat. Keep the sauce covered to let the basil infuse its fragrance into the sauce. Set it aside while you prepare the pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
In a large saucepan, bring water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then carefully drop in the spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still al dente.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it well, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later, in case you need to thin the sauce.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti into the saucepan with the Pomodoro sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
Once the pasta is well-coated and the sauce has reduced to a glossy consistency, it’s time to serve. Spoon the spaghetti into individual serving bowls. Generously sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect finish.
Serve warm with a side of fresh garden salad for a light and refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, try using fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato puree during the summer when tomatoes are in season.
- Add more vegetables: You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce for a hearty, vegetable-packed version of Pomodoro.
- Spice it up: Increase the amount of red chili flakes if you prefer a spicier version of this dish.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this dish without the gluten.
Pairing Suggestions:
This Spaghetti Pomodoro is best enjoyed with a light and crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing glass of iced tea. For a side dish, serve it with a crunchy, fresh garden salad dressed in olive oil and lemon, or a simple arugula salad with balsamic glaze.
This vegetarian meal is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a dinner party, offering a sophisticated taste of Italian comfort food with minimal effort.
