A simple Italian pasta dish made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and fresh basil. Spaghetti Pomodoro is light, comforting and full of flavour, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated parmesan, to serve
Method
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following the packet instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato purée. Stir well, then season with salt and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Tear in the fresh basil leaves and stir through the sauce.
- Drain the spaghetti, saving a small cup of pasta water. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve warm with grated parmesan, extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy with a simple green salad, garlic bread or a glass of red wine for a classic Italian-style meal.
Cooking Tip
For the best flavour, use good quality tomatoes and let the sauce simmer slowly. Simple ingredients make the biggest difference in Italian cooking.
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