Ingredients
- Spaghetti: 400 grams (or your preferred pasta type)
- Tomatoes: 2 pounds (fresh vine-ripened or canned San Marzano)
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful, torn or chopped
- Garlic: 3–4 cloves, minced
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch, for a hint of spice
- Sugar (optional): 1 teaspoon, to balance acidity
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): Freshly grated, for garnish
- Pasta Water: ½ cup (reserved from cooking the spaghetti)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
- If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then peel and crush them. For canned tomatoes, simply crush them with your hands or a fork.
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Be careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Basil:
- Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces and stir them into the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This ensures the basil retains its fresh aroma and flavor.
- Cook the Spaghetti:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the strands evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce stick to the pasta.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a few basil leaves for presentation if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (recipe serves 4)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg (if Parmesan is added)