Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce: A Timeless Italian Classic
Nothing captures the essence of Italian cuisine quite like a simple yet flavorful Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce. This dish embodies the heart of traditional Italian cooking, where a handful of fresh, quality ingredients come together to create a comforting, satisfying meal. The beauty of spaghetti with tomato sauce lies in its simplicity: al dente pasta coated with a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, infused with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs.
Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner, a family gathering staple, or a base for more elaborate Italian dishes, spaghetti with tomato sauce offers warmth and familiarity in every bite. Its versatility allows for endless personalization, while its classic flavor profile never fails to please. Perfectly balancing sweetness, acidity, and the subtle kick of herbs, this dish is a reminder that great cooking doesn’t require complexity—just passion, fresh ingredients, and the right techniques.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a table with the traditional ingredients for Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, including approximate calorie counts:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Spaghetti pasta | 400 g | 1,480 kcal |
| Olive oil | 3 tbsp | 360 kcal |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 cloves | 20 kcal |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium | 45 kcal |
| Crushed tomatoes | 800 g | 200 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | 60 kcal |
| Fresh basil leaves | 10–12 | 5 kcal |
| Salt | To taste | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | To taste | 5 kcal |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ½ tsp | 5 kcal |
| Parmesan cheese (grated, optional) | 50 g | 200 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. - Sauté the aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. - Add tomatoes and seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld. - Finish the sauce
Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce just before combining with pasta. Adjust seasoning to taste. - Combine pasta and sauce
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the tomato sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silky consistency. - Serve
Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Boost flavor: Sauté a pinch of anchovy or add a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce.
- Vegetable additions: Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a nutritious twist.
- Protein options: Serve with grilled chicken, meatballs, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Herb variations: Swap or mix basil with oregano, thyme, or parsley for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 75 g |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | Moderate (varies by salt and cheese) |
Spaghetti with tomato sauce offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a light yet satisfying meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or bruschetta for a classic Italian touch.
- Complement with a glass of light red wine such as Chianti or Pinot Noir.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables to boost nutrients and color on the plate.
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce: A Timeless Italian Classic
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes400
kcalIngredients
400 g spaghetti pasta
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
800 g crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
10–12 fresh basil leaves
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
50 g Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Make the sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Add basil: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir into the sauce just before combining with pasta.
- Combine: Toss spaghetti with the tomato sauce, adding reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.
- Serve: Plate and top with freshly grated Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Pasta texture: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the sauce.
Tomato quality matters: Using ripe, high-quality canned or fresh tomatoes will make a big difference in flavor.
FAQs
1. What is Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce?
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a classic Italian pasta dish made with al dente spaghetti tossed in a flavorful tomato sauce, often enhanced with garlic, onions, herbs, and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese.
2. Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
3. How can I make the sauce richer or creamier?
Adding a splash of heavy cream, a dollop of ricotta, or even butter at the end can make the sauce creamier and more luxurious without overpowering the tomato flavor.
4. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. The basic recipe is vegetarian, and you can make it vegan by skipping Parmesan cheese or replacing it with a plant-based alternative.
5. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes. Grilled chicken, meatballs, shrimp, or plant-based protein options like lentils or tofu can be added to make the meal more filling.
6. What herbs work best with tomato sauce?
Basil is classic, but oregano, thyme, parsley, or a combination of fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of your sauce.
Conclusion
Spaghetti with tomato sauce remains a timeless favorite for its simplicity, flavor, and versatility. This classic Italian dish proves that quality ingredients and careful preparation can create a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and universally loved. Whether enjoyed on a casual weeknight or as the centerpiece of a family dinner, spaghetti with tomato sauce delivers delicious, authentic Italian flavor in every bite.
