Timeless Comfort: The Foolproof Classic Spaghetti Recipe

Pasta lovers rejoice as this classic spaghetti recipe brings authentic Italian flavors straight to your kitchen.

Generations have savored this timeless dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients with hearty comfort.

Every twirl of perfectly cooked spaghetti tells a story of culinary tradition and passion.

Rich tomato sauce simmers gently, infusing each strand with deep, robust flavor.

Fragrant herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese create a symphony of taste that dances on your palate.

This recipe promises a delightful meal that connects you to the heart of Italian cooking.

Let’s find out this delectable spaghetti and let your taste buds celebrate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

How to Cook Old School Spaghetti from Scratch

• Pasta Foundation

Grab a big pot and fill it with water, adding a generous pinch of salt to create a flavor-packed liquid. Let the water dance and bubble until it reaches a rolling boil.

• Flavor Symphony

Warm up some olive oil in a skillet and let minced garlic sizzle and release its aromatic magic. Toss in bright, plump cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with herbs that will make your taste buds sing.

• Herbal Whispers

Pull the skillet off the heat and shower the sauce with freshly torn basil leaves. Give everything a gentle stir and taste, adjusting seasonings until the flavors harmonize perfectly.

• Pasta Fusion

Transfer your perfectly cooked spaghetti into the vibrant sauce, using a splash of starchy pasta water to create a luxurious, silky coating that hugs each strand.

• Final Flourish

Slide the spaghetti onto plates and crown it with a delicate snowfall of grated Parmesan cheese, creating a simple yet irresistible meal that speaks straight to the soul.

Old School Spaghetti Tips and Flavor Variations

• Infuse extra depth by roasting cherry tomatoes in the oven with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the sauce for a caramelized, intensified taste.
• Elevate this classic recipe by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for a hearty protein punch that transforms the dish into a complete meal.
• Experiment with different cheese options like creamy ricotta, sharp pecorino, or aged Grana Padano instead of traditional Parmesan to create unique flavor profiles.
• Toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted zucchini, or caramelized onions to boost nutritional value and add exciting textures and layers of flavor to the classic spaghetti.
• Introduce a kick of heat by sprinkling red pepper flakes, adding a splash of chili oil, or stirring in some diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicier dining experience.

Ways to Serve Old School Spaghetti at Its Best

• Classic Family Feast: Gather around the table with loved ones, making this spaghetti the centerpiece of a memorable dinner where everyone shares stories and enjoys each bite.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Elevate the dish by garnishing with extra chopped basil, parsley, or a few fresh oregano leaves to add bright, aromatic notes that complement the tomato sauce.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Offer additional grated Parmesan or crumbled pecorino romano at the table, letting diners customize their plate with their preferred cheese intensity and flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Serve alongside a light, crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a medium-bodied red such as Chianti to enhance the meal's rustic Mediterranean essence.

Storing Old School Spaghetti Leftovers

• Quick Cool-Down: Let the cooked spaghetti rest for a few minutes at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup.
• Fridge Storage Magic: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and noodles separate to maintain texture.
• Reheat like a Pro: Gently warm spaghetti in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or water, stirring occasionally to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezer Friendly Hack: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze plain cooked spaghetti in sealed freezer bags for emergency meal prep, lasting up to 2 weeks.

Everything You Need for Old School Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of the dish, choose high-quality durum wheat pasta for authentic texture and flavor.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta's taste and helping water reach proper boiling temperature.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil: Vibrant and sweet tomatoes combined with rich olive oil create a light, fresh sauce base that captures Mediterranean sunshine.
• Garlic Cloves: Aromatic and pungent, these add depth and robust flavor to the sauce, select fresh cloves with firm, smooth skin.
• Black Pepper: Adds a warm, subtle heat and complexity to the dish, freshly ground provides the most intense flavor profile.
• Sugar: Optional ingredient that balances tomato's natural acidity and rounds out the sauce's taste.

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, herbaceous herb that brings a burst of freshness and authentic Italian garden essence.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional creamy, salty topping that adds rich umami notes and luxurious texture to the final dish.

Utensils and Prep Tool for Old School Spaghetti

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling spaghetti with plenty of salted water.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring pasta and mixing sauce without scratching cookware.
• Colander: Needed to drain spaghetti quickly and efficiently.
• Skillet or Sauté Pan: Crucial for creating the tomato sauce and sautéing garlic.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping fresh basil and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of seasonings.
• Tongs: Great for transferring and tossing pasta in the sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese on top.

Hearty Spaghetti Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade spaghetti carbonara delights diners with its rich Roman heritage and simple ingredients. Pasta lovers will savor creamy eggs, crisp pancetta, and sharp pecorino cheese blended in this authentic Italian classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 600 grams (21.2 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 300–500 grams (10.5–17.6 oz) spaghetti
• 100 milliliters (3.4 fl oz) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• 1 pinch salt (for boiling and seasoning)
• 0.5 tsps freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat, creating the perfect environment for cooking spaghetti.
2. Pasta Cooking: Immerse spaghetti into the bubbling water, stirring intermittently to prevent clumping, and cook until achieving a tender al dente consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3. Sauce Foundation: Warm extra-virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence and develop a delicate golden hue.
4. Tomato Transformation: Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a whisper of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
5. Sauce Development: Gently crush the tomatoes to release their natural juices, creating a light, vibrant sauce while cooking for 3-4 minutes.
6. Pasta Integration: Rescue a portion of pasta water before draining spaghetti, then transfer the noodles directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to enrobe each strand with the luscious tomato mixture.
7. Final Touches: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves into the skillet, immediately removing from heat, and if needed, introduce reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, glossy coating that clings to the pasta.
8. Serving: Plate the spaghetti promptly, crowning it with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an additional garnish of basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir spaghetti occasionally during cooking to ensure noodles don’t clump together or form a sticky mass.
• Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy cooking water before draining, which helps create a smooth, clingy sauce and adds depth to the dish.
• Garlic Timing Matters: Sauté garlic quickly to release aromatic flavors without burning, which can make the sauce bitter and unpleasant.
• Tomato Technique: Gently press cherry tomatoes while cooking to release natural juices, creating a light, fresh sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg