Description
This classic Old School Spaghetti recipe features al dente spaghetti tossed in a flavorful homemade tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and hints of red pepper flakes. The sauce is slow-simmered to develop rich flavors, then combined with pasta and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting and timeless Italian dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic and chili oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté until the garlic is golden brown and fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Crush the tomatoes: Crush the canned whole peeled tomatoes in a bowl using your hands, removing any tough stem ends. Add the crushed tomatoes and their juices to the skillet with the garlic oil.
- Simmer the sauce: Season the sauce generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar (if using) to balance the acidity. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors meld together.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the noodles.
- Finish cooking: Cook the spaghetti in the sauce for another 2 minutes to absorb the flavors. Adjust seasoning as necessary with additional salt or pepper.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to taste or add a pinch of crushed chili flakes.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the crushed tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
- Reserved pasta water is key for adjusting the sauce consistency and helping it stick to the spaghetti.
- Use fresh, high-quality whole peeled tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, but can be omitted for a vegetarian-friendly option.
