Description
This Old-Fashioned Spaghetti recipe features a classic homemade tomato sauce simmered with fresh herbs and garlic, served over perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti. It’s a comforting and timeless Italian dish that is both simple to prepare and full of rich, savory flavors—perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb spaghetti
- Salt, for boiling water
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the saucepan. Season the sauce with dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sugar (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the spaghetti, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti directly into the saucepan with the simmered sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti among serving plates and generously top each with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by garlic bread for a classic Italian meal experience.
Notes
- Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow flavors to fully develop without burning.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; its starch helps bind sauce and pasta smoothly.
- For a richer sauce, you can also add a splash of red wine with the tomatoes (optional).
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
