CLASSIC PASTA AL POMODORO
A timeless Italian recipe featuring spaghetti tossed with silky tomato sauce and finished with fresh basil and parmesan. Comforting, fresh, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Sautè Pan (with high sides)
- Large Pot
- Tongs
- Wooden Spoon
- (Optional) Ladle & Carving Fork for plating
Ingredients
- 3 cups Tomato Sauce - see a recipe that works great below!
- 16 ounce package Spaghetti - other long dry pasta can be substituted
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Salt
- Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring 4–5 quarts (16–20 cups) of water to a rolling boil in a large pot.
- Add 1–1½ Tbsp sea salt and cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package directions.
While the Pasta Cooks, Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large sautè pan (with high sides), heat tomato sauce on medium-heat.
Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add pasta to tomato sauce, with ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water
- Toss for 2 minutes using tongs until the pasta is coated and fully cooked. If needed, add the remaining ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Serve with parmesan cheese and fresh basil
- Buon Appetito!
Notes
A great tomato sauce recipe is here: Simple Tomato Sauce
- Serving Note & Special Instructions:
- Reserve a little extra pasta water before draining to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper.
- Michelle’s Kitchen Recommendations:
- More Italian Favorites:
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