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
Scale
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
