![Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce](https://ik.imagekit.io/human/tr:w-auto,dpr-auto/recipes/al-dente-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce--0d579879-7c41-4a90-8334-48bbf0599adb.png)
Recipe
Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Vibrant Tomato Pasta Delight
4.9 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this authentic Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce recipe. This classic Italian dish showcases perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Metadata
Preparation time
15 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan (omit Parmesan cheese), Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-fat
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Gluten-free (unless using gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
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8 ounces (225g) dried spaghetti 8 ounces (225g) dried spaghetti
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4 large ripe tomatoes, diced 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
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3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste 1/4 cup (60ml) tomato paste
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1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
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1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup (10g) fresh basil leaves, torn
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Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1.5g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
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1.Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
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3.Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
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4.Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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5.Stir in the torn basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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6.Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
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7.Serve the Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned diced tomatoes as a substitute.
- Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and aromatic flavor. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but reduce the quantity by half.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve the perfect al dente texture, cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, then test for doneness.
- For a burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while simmering.
- Enhance the dish with additional vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Serving advice
Serve the Al Dente Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of red wine.
Presentation advice
Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an appetizing presentation. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant tomato sauce.
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