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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 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.
- While the pasta cooks, heat of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 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.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, sprinkling with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Let the tomatoes cook for 3-4 minutes, gently pressing them to release their juices and create a light, fresh sauce.
- Reserve of pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the tomato mixture, immediately removing the skillet from heat.
- Transfer the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat with the vibrant sauce.
- If needed, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, glossy coating that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Plate the spaghetti immediately, generously sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- 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