Easy Classic Spaghetti Recipe: A Comforting Family Favorite

Old school spaghetti embodies the soul of rustic Italian cuisine with its vibrant, uncomplicated charm.

Generations have cherished this delightful pasta recipe, passed down through family kitchens with love and tradition.

Each twirl of spaghetti carries memories of shared meals and warm conversations around the dinner table.

The magic lies in selecting high-quality ingredients that reimagine humble components into something extraordinary.

Simple techniques allow natural flavors to shine through, creating a harmonious blend of textures and aromas.

Fresh herbs and ripe tomatoes dance together, infusing the sauce with depth and character.

You’ll fall in love with this timeless comfort food that connects generations.

Tips for Serving Old School Spaghetti Just Right

• Select Quality Ingredients: Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for maximum flavor depth.
• Master Pasta Cooking: Cook spaghetti just until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
• Control Garlic Sautéing: Gently cook garlic over medium heat to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Leverage Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help sauce cling to noodles and create a smooth, glossy finish.
• Balance Seasoning Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper incrementally, remembering Parmesan cheese will add additional saltiness to the dish.

How to Save and Reheat Leftover Old School Spaghetti

• Refrigerate: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal the pasta carefully to prevent moisture loss and keep freshness intact. The dish will stay delicious for 3-4 days when properly chilled.
• Microwave Reheat: Splash a little water or extra olive oil over the cold pasta before warming. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when the pasta reaches a steaming temperature to avoid overcooking and drying out.
• Stovetop Refresh: Revive cold spaghetti by gently reheating in a skillet with a splash of water or additional olive oil. Stir continuously on low to medium heat, which helps restore moisture and prevent sticking. This method helps maintain the pasta's original texture and prevents rubbery consistency.

Old School Spaghetti Pairings That Never Fail

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the bright tomato and garlic flavors, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan cheese.
• Match with Fresh Herbed Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare a crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce, enhancing the meal's overall flavor and providing a delightful textural element.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: End the meal with a light, tangy lemon or orange sorbet to cleanse the palate and provide a cool, refreshing finish after the savory pasta.

Modern Takes on Old School Spaghetti to Shake Things Up

• Herb Garden Pasta: Elevate the classic recipe by adding a handful of fresh chopped herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Spaghetti: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the garlic sautéing stage to bring a fiery heat to the traditional dish.
• Protein-Packed Version: Mix in pan-seared chicken breast or crispy pancetta cubes for a heartier meal that provides extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Introduce kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a touch of dried oregano to transform the spaghetti into a Greek-inspired culinary experience.

Why Old School Spaghetti Still Rules the Table

• Savor Quick Comfort: This classic spaghetti recipe delivers a delightful meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Celebrate Fresh Ingredients: Bursting with bright cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, the dish transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality experience that feels both elegant and homey.
• Master Silky Sauce Technique: By reserving pasta water and using it to create a glossy, clingy sauce, you'll elevate your cooking skills and ensure every strand of spaghetti is perfectly coated with flavor.
• Enjoy Balanced Nutrition: With a smart balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, this recipe provides a satisfying meal that's relatively light and packed with essential nutrients.

Everything That Goes into Classic Old School Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that serves as the heart of the dish, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides deep flavor, select firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that create a vibrant sauce, pick ripe and brightly colored ones.
• Fresh Basil: Herb that adds bright, fresh flavor, look for bright green leaves without wilting.

• Olive Oil: Key fat for sautéing that provides rich flavor, use extra virgin for best taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher or sea salt for better flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, umami topping that adds depth, select freshly grated for best results.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create smooth sauce, reserve before draining pasta.

Cooking Old School Spaghetti: A Straightforward Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Before draining, carefully scoop out of pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 30-45 seconds.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Herbs

Remove skillet from heat. Gently fold in fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet. Toss gently, using reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy coating. Start with 2-of water and add more if needed.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the classic flavors of Old School Spaghetti.

Classic Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic comfort rises from nonna’s treasured Italian kitchen, where Old School Spaghetti whispers generations of love. Hearty tomato sauce, perfectly al dente pasta, and rich Parmesan create a simple yet soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 300–500 grams (10.5–17.6 ounces) spaghetti

Fresh Produce:

• 600 grams (21.2 ounces) cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 pinch salt (for boiling and seasoning)
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Gently lower the spaghetti into the boiling water, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Mince the garlic cloves and sauté them in the hot oil until they become aromatic and just begin to turn golden, about 30-45 seconds.
5. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sprinkling with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
6. Let the tomatoes cook for 3-4 minutes, gently pressing them to release their juices and create a light, fresh sauce.
7. Reserve of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
8. Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the tomato mixture, immediately removing the skillet from heat.
9. Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the vibrant sauce.
10. If needed, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy coating that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
11. Plate the spaghetti immediately, generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Serve hot, with an additional garnish of fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Pasta water acts like liquid gold, helping bind sauce and noodles with magical silkiness.
• Fresh basil transforms this classic dish from ordinary to extraordinary with its bright, herbaceous punch.
• Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness, creating a light sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti strands.
• Quick cooking method ensures maximum flavor without complicated techniques or endless prep time.
• Parmesan cheese adds salty depth, elevating the entire dish with just a simple sprinkle.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg