.png)
Oops
Something's not right. Our best minds are on it. You may retry or check back soon.
5 Mins delivery
Classic Tomato Spaghetti
Serves 4
30 mins
350 KcalClassic tomato spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—simple, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture this: al dente spaghetti, perfectly twirled, bathing in a rich, velvety tomato sauce that tastes like a warm hug from Nonna herself. This classic tomato spaghetti recipe is a love letter to minimalism, proving that less is truly more when it comes to flavor. It's all about the basics: juicy tomatoes, a drizzle of golden olive oil, fresh garlic, and a sprinkle of basil that takes you straight to the Italian countryside. The beauty of this dish? It's both a weeknight hero and a dinner-party diva. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, but the taste? It screams hours of slow cooking. The key to nailing this classic tomato spaghetti is in the sauce—letting those tomatoes simmer just long enough to unlock their natural sweetness, then adding a hint of red pepper flakes for a little zing (if you're feeling adventurous). Whether you're a kitchen newbie or a seasoned home chef, this recipe has your back. Pair it with crusty garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and maybe a glass of red wine if you're feeling fancy. One bite and you'll understand why this classic tomato spaghetti recipe is an evergreen crowd-pleaser. Ready to dive in? Because this dish isn't just food—it's a vibe.
Ingredients required for Classic Tomato Spaghetti
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 fresh red chilli
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- 300 gms dried spaghetti
- Olive oil
- 1 plum tomatoes
- 80 gms parmesan cheese
Cooking steps for Classic Tomato Spaghetti
- 1Classic tomato spaghetti is the ride-or-die recipe that never goes out of style—simple, comforting, and oh-so-delish. This classic tomato spaghetti recipe is everything you want in a pasta dish: bold flavors, minimal effort, and maximum vibes.
- 2Start by finely chopping two cloves of garlic and a fresh red chili—don't skimp on the chili unless you're not about that spicy life, but a little heat makes it all the more exciting.
- 3Pick and tear up a handful of fresh basil leaves (about 30g) because basil is the VIP of this dish.
- 4Set these aside, and let's get to the pasta.
- 5Boil 300 gms of dried spaghetti in salted water, stirring occasionally, until it's perfectly al dente—like, still has that slight bite that says, “I'm authentic, not mushy.”
- 6Reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust, it's liquid gold for the sauce).
- 7Now, onto the sauce that'll make this dish sing.
- 8Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- 9Toss in the garlic and chili, letting them sizzle until fragrant but not browned—we're going for golden, not burnt.
- 10Pour in a 400g tin of plum tomatoes, squashing them with the back of a spoon to break them up (If you like a smoother sauce, blitz it in a blender beforehand).
- 11Season with a pinch of salt and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and smells like an Italian grandma's kitchen.
- 12Stir in half of your basil leaves for that fresh, herby punch. When your spaghetti is ready, drain it (don't rinse!) and toss it straight into the pan with the sauce.
- 13Add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up if needed—it's all about that glossy, saucy finish.
- 14Grate a generous 80 gms of Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese over the top, letting it melt into the sauce, then toss again so every strand is coated in pure tomato-basil-cheesy magic.
- 15Plate it up, garnish with the remaining basil, and maybe a final drizzle of olive oil for the ‘gram-worthy shine.
- 16This recipe of classic tomato spaghetti is proof that simplicity slaps when done right—bold, fresh, and utterly comforting, it's the ultimate go-to for a chill weeknight dinner or a low-key fancy date night. Buon appetito!
FAQs
What are the key ingredients in classic tomato spaghetti?
Classic tomato spaghetti features simple yet flavorful ingredients: spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, and a touch of salt and pepper. Optional additions like Parmesan cheese and chili flakes enhance its taste. The dish relies on the quality of these ingredients, making fresh, ripe tomatoes and good olive oil essential.
How can I ensure the classic tomato spaghetti is cooked perfectly?
To achieve al dente spaghetti, boil it in a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon of salt per liter) according to the package instructions, typically 8–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Test a piece a minute before the suggested cooking time to check for the ideal texture firm but not hard. Drain the spaghetti, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
What's the secret to a flavorful tomato sauce while preparing classic tomato spaghetti?
A rich, flavorful sauce comes from saut ing garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then simmering fresh tomatoes (or canned San Marzano tomatoes for convenience) with a pinch of salt and sugar to balance acidity. Cook the sauce slowly, allowing the flavors to meld. Adding fresh basil at the end preserves its aromatic essence. For depth, stir in reserved pasta water or a splash of red wine while cooking.
