Description
A classic, comforting spaghetti dish with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb spaghetti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and seasonings:
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, water, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the saucepan with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Meat sauce: For a meatier version, brown 1 lb of ground beef, pork, or sausage along with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes.
- Vegetarian version: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Rich sauce: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter towards the end of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg