Spaghetti is one of the most popular dishes worldwide, and for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. This recipe for spaghetti with tomato basil sauce is both simple and delicious, making it ideal for weeknights or family gatherings. Moreover, it’s rich in antioxidants from the tomatoes and basil, offering health benefits alongside amazing flavor. At just 320 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
For more ideas, explore our pasta recipes or learn about the health benefits of tomatoes here.
Servings and Prep Time
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and onion, sautéing until they become fragrant and translucent. Next, stir in the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let it cook on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Finally, add fresh basil leaves and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
After preparing the sauce, transfer the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finally, divide the spaghetti into bowls. Garnish each portion with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks
Choose Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh basil and ripe tomatoes will elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. If fresh tomatoes are unavailable, high-quality canned ones will work just as well.
Personalize Your Dish
For added protein, include grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms. To make the dish creamier, you could mix in a splash of heavy cream or sprinkle some mozzarella cheese on top.
Feel free to add or remove ingredients according to your taste.
Why This Recipe Works
This spaghetti recipe combines fresh and wholesome ingredients to deliver bold, authentic flavors. The garlic and basil add depth to the sauce, while the spaghetti absorbs the tangy, savory goodness of the tomatoes. For more inspiration, check out our other recipes.
