How to Make Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Simple Summary

This classic spaghetti with tomato sauce is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that's both easy to make and deeply satisfying. The rich, tangy sauce perfectly coats al dente pasta for a timeless meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4-6
• Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.

3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Stir to combine.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in the boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

7. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

8. Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

9. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

10. Stir in the fresh basil leaves.

11. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Chef's Notes

• For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the pasta.
• To add depth to the flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• For a protein boost, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce.
• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor in your sauce.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 380
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 7g
• Rich in lycopene from tomatoes, which is beneficial for heart health
• Good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
• For a special touch, offer additional toppings like red pepper flakes, extra virgin olive oil, or fresh herbs.
• This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a comforting meal any night of the week.