Tomato spaghetti is one of the classic Italian dishes that combines the cooked spaghetti with the sweetness of the fresh tomato sauce. To make a delicious tomato spaghetti, you have to use a few key ingredients like fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, seasonings, cheese and of course spaghetti! This recipe is perfect for dinner or after school snacks for kids.
Tomato Spaghetti
This is a simple tomato based pasta dish. It is super easy and super tasty. This recipe is very simple and similar to all tomato based pasta recipe. But it is much more easy. This has a lovely flavour of olive oil, garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese. Perfect for dinner or after school snacks for kids.
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About Tomato Spaghetti
Tomato spaghetti is an authentic Italian recipe from Naples, Italy. This recipe is simple, easy to make like other tomato based pasta dishes. It has the lovely flavours of olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese and Italian seasonings. This recipe is ideal for busy days or when you don’t want to spend longer time in the kitchen.
Spaghetti is a long, thin pasta that originated from Italy. It is made from durum wheat, semolina, water and has a firm texture that blends easily with the sauces. Spaghetti is so versatile and has become popular across the world due its ease of cooking. Pasta are affordable, have a long shelf life and are low in fat. For a healthier diet option, you can also use whole wheat or any millet pasta for making this recipe.
The mild tomato sauce blends with the seasoning and cheese makes it a comforting meal for kids and also a crowd pleaser recipe. It hardly takes 30 minutes to prepare just like my red sauce pasta and make it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Why This Recipe Works
Quick preparation : Tomato spaghetti is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes with the basic pantry staples at home. This recipe is ideal for busy schedules or when organizing a house party. With just a few basic ingredients you can create a delicious meal that satisfies your cravings.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE – I love this recipe because it is so simple and tastes delicious. I like pasta the way it is packed with flavours like tangy, spicy and sweet. It’s a wholesome experience to taste. Kids will surely love this for the mild flavour and spiral texture of spaghetti. You can also have fun with shapes of spaghetti by using fettuccine, macaroni, penne when serving for kids. Also this recipe is so versatile that we can make it more nutritious by adding protein of our choices like paneer, tofu, chicken, grounded meatballs, mushroom. It is a great meal option for family gathering and it satisfies people of all ages.
Versatile : This recipe is so adaptable and versatile. You can try different spice flavours like bell pepper, parsley, and fresh chilli. For the gluten free version, you can also incorporate the recipe using millet pasta based on your dietary preference.
Ingredients
Spaghetti ( 100 gms) : You can use any variety of spaghetti like penne, fettuccine of your choice. I have used a linguine variety which is long and thin. It is so versatile that it can be paired with any light or heavy meal sauces. Just make sure to check the packaging to cook the spaghetti perfectly.
Tomato ( 2 ) : Fresh tomatoes add a vibrant color and tanginess to the sauce. Use regular tomatoes instead of country tomatoes. you can try with store bought canned tomato puree or cherry tomatoes.
Garlic ( 6 ) : Finely chopped garlic when added to the olive oil gives a sharp and aromatic flavour to the sauce. If you run out of garlic cloves, try with garlic powder.
Olive oil ( 2 tbsp ) : Olive oil is added to provide richness to the sauce and also for sauteing. For an alternative, you can try with any neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil or with butter.
Salt & Sugar : enhances the overall taste of the recipe. It can be adjusted according to your taste buds.
Chilli flakes ( 1 tsp ) : Chilli flakes add the heat to the dish. For a spicy version, you can use paprika, cayenne pepper or freshly chopped chillies.
Oregano ( 1 tsp ) : Oregano gives the authentic Italian taste to the dish. Store bought Italian seasoning mix can be used.
Parmesan cheese ( ½ cup grated ) : Parmesan is an Italian hard granular cheese produced from cow’s milk. If you don’t find parmesan in your market, you can replace it with mozzarella, cheddar and ricotta cheese. For dairy free cheese options, you can try using nutritional yeast available in markets.
Hacks
Cooking spaghetti : Bring water to a boil in a large wide pan. When the water starts boiling add the spaghetti and salt. Read the cooking instructions in the pasta packet that you are using. I used a linguine variety so I took around 10 to 11 minutes to cook.
Straining the pasta : Strain the cooked pasta using a strainer. Don’t rinse or wash the pasta under cold water. Instead, toss them in olive oil. While straining, reserve a cup of the cooked water.
Tomato sauce : To prepare tomato sauce, in a heavy duty pan, add olive oil followed by garlic. Then add crushed tomatoes, salt and sugar. Simmer them and cook until the raw smell leaves. It usually takes around 15 minutes. Finally add the cooked pasta, italian seasonings and parmesan cheese. Garnish the spaghetti with basil leaf while serving.
Tomato Spaghetti (Step by Step Pictures)
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| Heat a good amount of olive oil in a pan |
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| add in sliced garlic cloves |
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| fry till they are light golden |
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| add in some roughly crushed tomatoes |
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| mix that well with the garlic oil |
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| add some salt and sugar |
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| mix well and cook till raw smell leaves from the mix |
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| Now the raw smell is gone |
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| add in a good amount of oregano and chilli flakes |
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| mix well |
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| sauce done |
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| Mean while cook the pasta..i used linguine |
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| bring lots and lots of water to boil |
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| add in a good amount of salt |
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| drop the pasta in |
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| let them cook |
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| now they are cooked |
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| drain it |
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| toss it into the sauce |
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| now add in a good amount of parmesan cheese or any cheese |
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| mix well |
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| serve hot. |
Expert Tips
- For a quicker version, try with cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes. It adds a more vibrant color to the sauce.
- Peel the skin of the tomatoes and crush them using hands or pulse them in a blender.
- In a slow flame, cook the tomatoes for a longer time to achieve authentic tastier sauce.
- Reserve a cup of cooked pasta water while straining. This helps to loosen the sauce and creates a scrumptious dish.
- For more intense flavour, you can also add canned tomato paste or ketchup.
- The silky and glossy finished spaghetti is achieved by adding a tablespoon of butter at the end.
Storage
The tomato sauce can be prepared and stored in advance. It stays good in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for a month.
Serving
The tomato spaghetti can be served along with garlic bread, salad and even with baguette. While serving tomato spaghetti, top it off with some fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese.
FAQ
1.How to store cooked pasta ?
To store the cooked pasta, toss them with a little olive oil to prevent drying. Store them in an airtight container and it stays good in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days .
2.Can I store leftover sauce?
Absolutely! Yes, the leftover tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be used to make ravioli, lasagne recipes.
3.Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Yes you can canned tomatoes for the base when you are looking to save time in cooking.
4.Can I add meat or protein to the base?
Definitely, yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp or meatballs for added protein. For vegetarians, you can try protein options like tofu, paneer, mushroom.
5.How to fix acidic flavour in tomato sauce?
If you feel your sauce is too acidic, then you can submerge it by adding cream, butter or a little sugar. This helps to balance the flavour and taste.
Variations
Protein rich spaghetti : You can include more protein options like paneer, chicken, meatballs. It makes your meal fuller and healthier.
Vegetable spaghetti : Sauteed vegetables like spinach, bell pepper, mushroom, zucchini, carrot can be mixed with the sauce to achieve a rich and nutritious meal.
Pasta alla vodka : This is my family’s current favourite pasta recipe. If you’re looking for a rich and creamy pasta recipe, then it is a must try. It is so addictive. The cooked spaghetti mixed with tomato base and italian seasoning, finally glazed with cream and a splash of vodka.
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📖 Recipe Card
Tomato Spaghetti Recipe (Tomato Pasta)
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 543kcal
Nutrition
Serving: 1servings | Calories: 543kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 1110mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3444IU | Vitamin C: 53mg | Calcium: 236mg | Iron: 3mg
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