Go Back

Spaghetti al Pomodoro

A classic Italian dish showcasing juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and thick spaghetti creating a comforting and flavorful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 300 grams Thick Squared spaghetti This hearty pasta holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Tomato Sauce
  • 400 grams Cherry tomatoes or 1 can of whole peeled tomatoes These are the star of the dish, bringing a luscious sweetness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic contributes a fragrant and zesty note.
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Invoke a rich, buttery flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Rock salt For pasta water.
  • Salt & Pepper Salt & Pepper Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
  • 1 bunch Fresh Basil Adds a vibrant, peppery kick.
  • Pecorino Romano Cheese Optional, for added richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and discard any remaining vine.
  2. In a large cooking pan, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and crushed garlic.
  3. Add the sliced cherry tomatoes into the pan along with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  4. Cook on medium-low heat while stirring continuously.
  5. Once bubbling, add broken pieces of fresh basil into the pan, cook for about ten minutes, then remove basil pieces.
  6. Transfer the sauce into a blender and pulse for about three seconds.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot filled with 5L of water to a boil and add a tablespoon of rock salt.
  2. Twist the thick spaghetti into the pot and cook for 13 minutes or according to package directions.
Combining
  1. Return the blended sauce to the pan on low heat and add fresh basil pieces.
  2. When pasta is nearly done, collect a mug full of the pasta cooking water.
  3. Use tongs to transfer the spaghetti directly into the sauce, adding some pasta water as needed.
  4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Cooking the sauce on medium-low heat allows for deeper flavors without burning.