Easy Homemade Spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan!

Homemade Spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan is a classic Italian pasta dish that blends the freshness of tomatoes, the richness of olive oil, and the fragrance of fresh basil and Parmesan. Known for its simplicity, this dish offers a vibrant, authentic Italian flavor ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

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You’ll Love This Homemade Spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan!

This dish highlights the essentials of Italian cuisine: simplicity, high-quality ingredients, and incredible flavors. Each bite of the tender spaghetti coated in a delicate tomato-basil sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan transports you to Italy. Whether you’re new to cooking Italian or a pasta enthusiast, you’ll love this homemade take on spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Spaghetti – 12 ounces of spaghetti or other preferred pasta.
Olive Oil – 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil for a rich, authentic taste.
Garlic – 3-4 cloves, minced, to infuse the oil with a warm, spicy aroma.
Tomatoes – 1 1/2 pounds of ripe tomatoes or a can of high-quality crushed tomatoes.
Fresh Basil – 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn, for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
Salt – 1 teaspoon for seasoning.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, as a garnish to elevate the flavors.

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Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until the skins loosen. Remove from water, peel, and roughly chop.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
Sauté the Garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Create the Sauce: Add the tomatoes to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the tomatoes break down into a sauce.
Incorporate Basil: Stir in the fresh basil and let the sauce simmer for another minute to melt the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a bit of pasta water. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade spaghetti pomodoro with garlic bread-a warm, buttery, garlic-scented delight that perfectly pairs with a fully Italian-inspired meal. A simple green salad on the side-likely mixed greens, arugula, or romaine lettuce tossed in a light vinaigrette-provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the spaghetti for a little kick. You can also add depth by adding in some roasted vegetables: zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms are great and give it that hearty, earthy element. A glass of your favorite Italian red wine or some sparkling water with lemon rounds it out nicely.

How to Store Homemade Spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan!

To store leftovers, place your spaghetti pomodoro in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water as it warms to restore the sauce’s smooth consistency and keep the pasta from drying out. This method helps maintain the sauce’s fresh taste and prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or mushy. Alternatively, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, covering them loosely to avoid splattering and adding a bit of water or olive oil to keep the sauce creamy.

Additional Tips: Homemade Spaghetti Pomodoro and Basil Parmesan!

Substitutions: For an even richer, more robust flavor, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned San Marzano tomatoes. Known for their natural sweetness and low acidity, San Marzano tomatoes give the sauce a deeper, slightly sweeter taste that many Italian chefs prefer.

Make It Vegan: To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or swap it with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great vegan substitute, providing a similar nutty, cheesy flavor.

Troubleshooting: If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, gradually add a small amount of reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency. This starchy water also helps the sauce cling to the pasta for an ideal, silky texture. For extra richness, you could even stir in a touch of olive oil or vegan butter if you’re keeping it dairy-free.