Description
Silky spaghetti meets classic Italian Pasta Pomodoro, dancing with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a simple yet elegant culinary symphony. Fragrant herbs and perfectly al dente noodles invite you to savor authentic Mediterranean flavors with each delightful twirl of your fork.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
Herbs and Dairy
- 5 sprigs fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter
Seasonings and Tomatoes
- 56 cloves garlic, smashed
- 28 ounces (794 grams) canned San Marzano tomatoes, whole and peeled
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until it reaches an al dente texture, ensuring a slight firmness when bitten.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to a colander, allowing excess water to drain completely, then lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter, gently sautéing until its aromatic essence is released but before any browning occurs.
- Pour in San Marzano tomatoes, crushing them directly into the pan to create a rustic sauce texture.
- Nestle fresh basil sprigs into the simmering tomato mixture, allowing their herbaceous notes to infuse the sauce.
- Sprinkle in salt and a touch of sugar to balance the tomatoes’ natural acidity, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer, allowing the flavors to harmonize and develop depth for approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat, carefully extracting the basil sprigs and any large garlic pieces.
- Carefully fold the prepared spaghetti into the vibrant sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated.
- Finish the dish by generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicate torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately, presenting a classic Italian pasta pomodoro that celebrates simplicity and flavor.
Notes
- Choose high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
- Avoid browning garlic to prevent a bitter taste that can ruin the delicate sauce.
- Use fresh basil leaves for maximum aromatic impact and bright, herbaceous notes.
- Grate Parmesan cheese just before serving to ensure the freshest, most vibrant cheese flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg