Pasta Pomodoro Recipe
Pasta Pomodoro is a classic Italian dish featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a simple, fresh tomato sauce made with garlic, onions, herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil, it’s a light and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 lb. spaghetti
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped (about 4 cups)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp. thinly sliced fresh basil, plus more for serving
For Serving
- Finely grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the aromatics: In another large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices, roughly 5 minutes. Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in the fresh sliced basil.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. Continue cooking, adding more pasta water as needed, until the sauce becomes glossy and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with finely grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a silky finish.
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor or substitute with good quality canned whole tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; add it at the end to preserve flavor and color.
- Parmesan is essential for authentic taste but can be omitted for a vegetarian option if using vegetarian-friendly cheese.
Keywords: Pasta Pomodoro, Italian pasta recipe, tomato pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta dish, classic Italian
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/pasta-pomodoro-recipe/
