Description
A comforting pasta dish featuring a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and a hint of heat, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 220g spaghetti
- 80ml olive oil
- 1 (400g) can chopped San Marzano tomatoes or high-quality chopped Italian tomatoes
- 1/2 large yellow onion
- 1/2 packet fresh basil leaves (or 12g)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 60g butter
- Salt, to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Infuse the Oil: In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, and basil. Heat over medium-low until it starts to boil, then simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the basil wilt.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to packet instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Onion: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter with a bit of oil over medium-low heat. Place the onion cut-side down and cook for about 8 minutes, until golden brown.
- Add Tomatoes: Incorporate the canned tomatoes into the pot, breaking them up slightly with a wooden spoon. Bring to a boil, then season with salt. Cover and simmer for 8 minutes over low heat.
- Mix and Blend: Combine the infused olive oil with the tomato sauce. If needed, adjust the salt, and stir in the pasta water. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the onion halves and blend the sauce with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Toss and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using high-quality tomatoes and fresh basil. You can also add a splash of red wine for depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: spaghetti, comfort food, pasta recipe