Classic Italian Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 200g spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 400g canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Steps and instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti, and return to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook until fragrant.
  5. Add the canned diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated in sauce.
  7. Add the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and the basil is wilted.
  8. Serve the pasta hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute spaghetti with penne, fettuccine, or any other type of pasta you prefer.
  • Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it a protein-packed meal.
  • Roast some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant and add them to the sauce.
  • Try different herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, or crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor.
  • For a creamy variation, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
  • For a tangy twist, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated lemon zest for added freshness.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for a classic, comforting Spaghetti with Tomato and Basil Sauce. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings. You'll start by boiling the spaghetti till it's al dente. In the meantime, you'll make a quick sauce by sautéing garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, then adding canned diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. The pasta is then tossed in this deliciously tangy and spicy sauce, and finished off with fresh basil and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can have a delicious meal on the table that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to cook the pasta? - The pasta should be cooked for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is firm to the bite.
  2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? - Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes instead of canned if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to allow the tomatoes to soften.
  3. Can I substitute the spaghetti with a different type of pasta? - Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer or have on hand.
  4. Is the Parmesan cheese necessary? - The Parmesan cheese adds a delicious flavor to the dish, but if you don't have it or prefer a different type of cheese, you can omit it or substitute with another cheese of your choice.
  5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? - Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop before adding the cooked pasta.
  6. Can I add other ingredients to the sauce? - Absolutely! This recipe serves as a base, and you can customize it by adding vegetables, cooked meat, or herbs of your choice to the sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to boil the spaghetti.
  • Skillet - Used to cook the tomato sauce and combine it with the pasta.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring the pasta and sauce.
  • Colander - Required for draining the cooked pasta.
  • Grater - Used to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Knife - Needed to mince the garlic and chop the fresh basil.

Origin stories

A classic staple of Italian cuisine, spaghetti has an interesting history. While many associate it with Italy, its origins can be traced back to ancient times. The first pasta dishes were made thousands of years ago, believed to be in Asia. But the true magic happened when pasta met with the quintessential Italian ingredient, the tomato. It was not until the 18th century that this now-iconic combination came to life. Tomatoes were introduced to Europe from the Americas and initially regarded with suspicion. However, they eventually became a staple in Italian cuisine, leading to the tomato-based pasta dishes we know and love today. In fact, the word "spaghetti" is derived from the Italian word "spago", meaning thin string or twine. These "strings" of pasta, combined with a rich tomato sauce, create the spaghetti dish that has become a favorite around the world.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.