If you’re craving a heartwarming, timeless meal that brings everyone to the dinner table with smiles, this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe is just what you need. With its rich, homemade tomato sauce steeped in classic Italian herbs and perfectly al dente spaghetti, this dish captures the essence of comfort food. It’s a straightforward recipe that melds simple ingredients into layers of flavor that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe is all about simplicity and quality. Each ingredient plays a key role in building the layers of classic Italian flavor, from the olive oil that starts the sauce to the fresh herbs that brighten the finish. The ingredients list might look simple, but it’s exactly what gives this recipe its irresistible charm.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base to sauté the onions and garlic, enhancing the sauce’s flavor depth.
- Small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and texture when sautéed, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, punchy aroma that’s essential in Italian cooking.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The heart of the sauce, offering rich tomato flavor and vibrant color.
- Tomato paste (6 oz can): Concentrates the tomato flavor for a thick, luscious sauce.
- Water (1/2 cup): Adjusts sauce consistency and prevents it from becoming too thick.
- Dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with a classic herbal spiciness.
- Dried basil: Provides a sweet, peppery note to brighten the sauce.
- Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, savory undertone that complements tomato beautifully.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Helps mellow out the tomato’s natural acidity for a smoother taste.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and a burst of herbal brightness.
- Spaghetti (1 lb): The classic pasta choice that carries the sauce perfectly.
- Salt for boiling water: Seasoning the pasta water enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty richness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. This step is vital because the onion sweetness is a foundational note in your sauce. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. Watch carefully here, because the garlic can burn quickly—when it’s fragrant, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and half a cup of water. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, and if you like, half a teaspoon of sugar to balance the tomato’s acidity. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let your sauce cook slowly for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process melds all those flavors together, thickens the sauce, and creates that unmistakable homemade richness.
Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti
While your sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial for infusing flavor into your pasta. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—typically 8 to 10 minutes—until al dente, meaning tender yet with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta but save a small cup of the pasta water; it’s a helpful trick to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much when you combine it.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti directly into the saucepan with your simmered sauce. Toss everything together so the noodles are perfectly coated. If you find the sauce a little thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach the texture that feels just right. This step is what turns simple ingredients into a harmonious bite of comfort.
Step 5: Serve
Dish out generous servings of your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe onto plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if you have it, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley. This final flourish adds both flavor and a pop of color. Serve immediately with a side of crusty garlic bread or your favorite salad for a delightful meal.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe takes it from delicious to downright irresistible. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of herbal brightness and lovely green color. A generous grating of Parmesan offers a nutty richness that melts perfectly into each bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy garlic bread or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pair wonderfully with this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe. The crunch of garlic bread complements the tender noodles, while a fresh salad provides a bright contrast to the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, try serving your spaghetti in individual pasta bowls, twirling the noodles into elegant nests. You can even bake the sauced spaghetti with a blanket of mozzarella for a comforting baked pasta dish. Another fun idea is to use colorful pasta shapes to add visual flair and extra fun for kids.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy again, the flavors often deepen, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this spaghetti dish but it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Place the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container and portions of cooked spaghetti in airtight bags. This prevents texture changes and allows you to reheat just what you need.
Reheating
Reheat leftover spaghetti gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For microwave reheating, cover to retain moisture and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth without drying out your pasta.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have ripe, juicy tomatoes, you can peel, crush, and use them fresh. Just remember that canned crushed tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture, which keeps the sauce reliably delicious every time.
Is it okay to substitute dried herbs with fresh ones?
Yes, fresh herbs can amplify the flavor and freshness in this recipe. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together?
Make sure to use plenty of salted boiling water and stir the pasta a few times during the first couple of minutes of cooking. Draining and tossing immediately with sauce also helps prevent sticking.
Can this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the wheat spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cooking times may vary, so keep an eye on the al dente texture to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best cheese to serve with this spaghetti?
Traditional choices like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are perfect for grating on top. They add a sharp, salty depth that enhances the tomato sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cooking and sharing this Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a reminder that the simplest ingredients, handled with a bit of love and patience, become a dish that comforts and delights. I hope you give it a try soon and make it your own family favorite like I have!
Print
Old-Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe features a classic, homemade tomato sauce simmered with aromatic herbs and garlic, paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s an easy, comforting Italian dish that makes a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Pasta and Garnish:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt, for boiling water
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti among serving plates. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve with a side of garlic bread and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar in the sauce to balance acidity according to your taste.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley enhance flavor and presentation.
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
