Hey there, fellow pasta lovers! If you’re searching for the best spaghetti recipe, look no further because this dish is all about simplicity and flavor. Seriously, it’s one of those go-to meals I whip up when I want something comforting yet impressive. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious spaghetti that will have everyone asking for seconds! Trust me, the aroma of sautéed garlic mingling with tomatoes is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough to impress your friends. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this easy, mouthwatering journey together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this delicious spaghetti! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g spaghetti (I always go for the classic for that perfect bite!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for that fruity flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 400g canned tomatoes (choose whole or diced, depending on your preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh if you’ve got it—so fragrant!)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy, it brings everything together)
- Black pepper to taste (for that little kick)
These simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started on this delightful spaghetti! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s not just tasty but also a joy to make.
Cooking the Spaghetti
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. I usually use about 4 to 5 quarts of water for 200g of spaghetti; it helps keep the pasta from sticking together. Once the water’s bubbling like crazy, toss in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent any clumping. When it’s ready, reserve a cup of pasta water (trust me, it’s liquid gold for the sauce!), then drain the spaghetti. Don’t rinse it, as you want that lovely starch to cling to the sauce!
Making the Sauce
While the spaghetti is cooking, let’s whip up that scrumptious sauce! In a medium pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want it just golden and fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, pour in the canned tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried basil. Give it a good stir, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step is key; it allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste—you’ll know it’s just right when it makes your mouth water!
Combining and Serving
Now comes the fun part—combining everything! Pour the drained spaghetti into the sauce, tossing it gently to coat every strand. If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve it hot, right from the pan! I love to top mine with fresh basil or a generous sprinkle of grated cheese for that extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to savor those moments around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and cook time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Rich, flavorful sauce that comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings like cheese or fresh herbs.
- Always a crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a good bowl of spaghetti!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make this spaghetti even more fabulous! Here are some of my top tips to ensure you nail it every time:
- Use high-quality tomatoes: The sauce is only as good as the tomatoes you choose! Go for San Marzano if you can find them—they’re so sweet and flavorful.
- Fresh herbs are a game-changer: If you have fresh basil or even parsley, toss some in at the end for a burst of freshness!
- Don’t skip the pasta water: That starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency and helps it cling better to the spaghetti.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a bit of oregano for extra flavor depth. Make it your own!
- Let it rest: Once you’ve combined the spaghetti and sauce, let it sit for a minute before serving. This allows the flavors to blend even more.
With these little tweaks, you’ll elevate your spaghetti to a whole new level of deliciousness! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk nutrition! This best spaghetti recipe serves up about 350 calories per serving, along with 10g of fat, 10g of protein, and 55g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that can fit into a balanced diet. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices. Enjoy your delicious pasta guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti?
Absolutely! Whole wheat spaghetti is a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add more fiber to your meal. It has a slightly nuttier flavor and a heartier texture, which can be a delightful twist on the classic. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it might take a minute or two longer than regular spaghetti. You’ll still get that delicious sauce soaking in!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep things nice and moist. You can also microwave them, but be sure to cover the bowl to prevent drying out!
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutrition and flavor of your spaghetti. You can toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini right along with the garlic for a colorful and tasty addition. If you prefer something heartier, roasted cherry tomatoes or even mushrooms work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is tender and delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the best spaghetti recipe, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! Here are some delightful options that complement the pasta perfectly:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a tangy dressing make a refreshing counterpoint to the rich spaghetti.
- Roasted Vegetables: Think zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil—simple and delicious!
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a beautiful, vibrant dish.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies adds a fun, shareable element to your meal.
With these tasty sides, your spaghetti dinner becomes a complete feast! Enjoy the flavors and the company!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious spaghetti is super easy, and you can enjoy those flavorful leftovers in no time! Once your spaghetti has cooled down a bit, transfer it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to label the container with the date, so you know when you made it!
When you’re ready to dig in, reheating is a breeze! For the best results, I recommend warming it up in a pan over low heat. Just add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist and stir occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This way, you’ll avoid that dreaded dry pasta! Enjoy your meal again, just as delicious as the first time!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check this out!
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best spaghetti recipe: 7 reasons to love this dish
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious spaghetti recipe that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add canned tomatoes and dried basil.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain spaghetti and mix with the sauce.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add grated cheese on top.
- Use fresh basil for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: best spaghetti recipe
