Spaghetti and Tomato Basil Sauce

Spaghetti and Tomato Basil Sauce is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare meal for guests; it features whole-grain spaghetti, providing a healthier and fiber-rich alternative to traditional pasta.

Main Dishes, Seasoned Olives with Goat Cheese, Peperonata

Ingredients Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce

Pasta

Tomato Sauce

Five tbsp. of olive oil
Three tbsp. of tomato paste
Five tbsp. of olive oil
One cooking onion
Two-three cloves of garlic, minced
350 ml. of bottled Tomato Passata or canned whole peeled tomatoes with liquid
Dried basil - one tbsp.
One tsp. of dried thyme (optional)
Salt- to taste.
Five tbsp. of olive oil
One tsp. of black pepper
Two tbsp. of chopped fresh basil, or one tbsp. of dried basil.

Preparation

Cooking Pasta

Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add ½ tablespoon of salt to the water, adding flavor to the pasta itself.
Cook the Spaghetti: Add the whole-grain spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — usually around 8-10 minutes.
Drain and Toss: Once cooked, drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Toss with three tablespoons of olive oil, giving it an excellent gloss and preventing it from sticking together.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while the pasta is still warm. The heat will help the cheese melt slightly, infusing the pasta with a creamy texture.

Cooking Tomato Sauce

Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Add Tomatoes: Stir in the canned tomatoes (with liquid) or tomato puree. If using whole peeled tomatoes, break them up with a spoon.
Season the Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste, dried thyme (if using), and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes. If it thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Add Basil: Towards the end of cooking, stir in the fresh or dried basil. This will infuse the sauce with a delightful herby aroma.
Mix Together: Pour the tomato basil sauce over the cooked spaghetti.
Toss Gently: Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish: Top with extra grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves for a touch of elegance.
Side Dish: Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Like it spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Love garlic? Throw in an extra clove. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility and the warm, comforting meal it creates.

Tips

Right Pot Size: Choose a large pot to give the pasta space to cook evenly. A general rule is about 4-6 quarts of water for every 100 grams of pasta.
Salt the Water Well: Don’t be shy with the salt. It’s crucial for adding flavor to the pasta itself. Think of the water as seawater.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep tasting the pasta as it nears the end of its cooking time. Whole-grain pasta can quickly turn from perfect to overcooked.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save a cup of pasta water. It’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
You can make a delicious Tomato Souse for spaghetti from fresh or canned tomatoes and tomato puree. Specifically, peeled canned plum tomatoes are the most popular in preparing tomato sauces. Also this delicious tomato sauce recipe is also suitable for pizza.

Cooking the Onion and Garlic: Ensure the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Simmering Time: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Letting it simmer longer (even up to an hour on low heat) can enhance the taste if you have time.
Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor, especially if added at the end. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use them sparingly.
Adjusting Thickness: Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it seems too thick.
Serve Immediately: Pasta with sauce is best served immediately while it’s hot and the flavors are at their peak.
Cheese Matters: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Grate it yourself for a fresher taste and better melting.
Enjoy the process and the delicious meal you’re about to create!

Eat well, feel well!

Great Recipes With Whole Ingredients