Pasta Pomodoro Recipe
Pasta Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a fresh, vibrant tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This simple yet flavorful pasta is finished with a touch of olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, making it a perfect light and refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- Kosher salt (for boiling water)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil, plus more for serving
For Serving
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In another large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 more minute.
- Make Tomato Sauce: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook, stirring, until the juices are released, about 5 minutes. Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and bring the sauce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly reduced and thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in the sliced basil.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. Continue cooking and tossing the pasta with the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed, until the sauce is glossy and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with finely grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps to bind the sauce and pasta together, giving a creamy texture without cream.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Use the ripest tomatoes available for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch but can be omitted for a lighter or vegan version.
- This sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days.
Keywords: Pasta Pomodoro, Italian pasta, tomato pasta sauce, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, homemade tomato sauce, spaghetti recipe
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/pasta-pomodoro-recipe/
