Spaghetti with tomato sauce and parmesan

Spaghetti with tomato sauce and parmesan - a simple and tasty recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Spaghetti with tomato sauce and parmesan is a classic, simple, and delicious dish that brings the family together around the table. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of the garden with the perfect texture of pasta, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, it is a quick dish, ideal for evenings when you want to serve something tasty but don’t have much time available.

Ingredients

- 300 g spaghetti
- 3 liters of water (about one liter for every 100 g of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 dry onion or 2 green onions
- 1 stalk of celery
- ½ bell pepper
- 1 potato (optional, but adds an interesting note)
- 3 fresh tomatoes (or canned, if necessary)
- 3-4 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Fresh basil
- Fresh parsley
- Dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated parmesan, to taste

Preparing the spaghetti

1. Boil the water: In a large pot, bring 3 liters of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of olive oil when the water is boiling. This step will prevent the spaghetti from sticking and will add extra flavor.

2. Add the spaghetti: Put the spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente.

Preparing the tomato sauce

3. Heat the oil: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Choose a high-quality oil for an intense flavor.

4. Sauté the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and celery. Add them to the saucepan with the heated oil and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. The flavors will begin to develop, and the aroma will fill the kitchen.

5. Add the potato: Cut the potato into small cubes and add it to the saucepan. Although it wasn't planned, the potato will add a pleasant texture to the sauce, and its story will make you smile.

6. Continue with the vegetables: Cut the bell pepper into larger slices and the tomatoes into cubes. Add them to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.

7. Finish the sauce: Once the vegetables have softened, add the tomato paste and chopped basil. Don’t forget to add 2 ladles of the spaghetti water to achieve a more liquid and uniform sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembling and serving

8. Drain the spaghetti: When the spaghetti is ready, drain it in a colander, but do not rinse under cold water to retain the starch that helps the sauce stick to the pasta.

9. Combine pasta and sauce: Add chopped parsley to the tomato sauce and mix well. Then pour the sauce over the spaghetti, gently mixing to combine.

10. Serving: Portion the spaghetti onto plates, generously sprinkle grated parmesan on top, and serve immediately with a fresh salad on the side. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or mint tea.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different vegetables or add mushrooms for a richer flavor. You can also add some black olives or anchovies for an extra kick.
- Tomato paste: If using canned tomatoes, make sure they are of good quality. San Marzano tomatoes are highly regarded for sauces.
- Pasta care: Cooking spaghetti al dente is essential for achieving the perfect texture. They will continue to cook even after being added to the sauce.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and extra virgin olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, parsley and basil add essential vitamins and an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta? Yes, you can use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option, although the cooking time may vary.
2. How can I store leftovers? You can store spaghetti with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water to avoid drying out.
3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? If you omit the parmesan or use a plant-based substitute, yes, this dish becomes vegan.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with tomato sauce and parmesan is a wonderful choice for a quick, tasty, and flavorful meal. This simple recipe will delight both you and your loved ones, bringing joy and flavor to every plate. Experiment with the ingredients and customize the recipe to your taste! Enjoy your meal!