Classic Italian Spaghetti al Pomodoro with Fresh Basil
Indulge in the flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this delightful Spaghetti al Pomodoro, inspired by the tastes adored by the legendary actress Audrey Hepburn. This dish showcases the natural sweetness of sun-ripened Roma tomatoes, combined with aromatic vegetables and fresh basil to create a rich sauce that envelops every strand of al dente spaghetti. Serve it topped with generous shavings of Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian dining experience that is perfect for gatherings and special occasions. Share the warmth and love of homemade pasta with your family and friends in this flavorful one-dish meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Small onion
1 (peeled and diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Carrots
2 (peeled and diced)
Celery stalks
2 (diced)
Prepeeled Roma tomatoes
32 ounces (canned (2 cans))
Fresh basil
1 bunch (washed, leaves whole and chopped)
Virgin olive oil
2-4 ounces (for drizzling)
Spaghetti noodles
16 ounces (uncooked)
Parmesan cheese
4-8 ounces (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and dicing the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2
In a large pot, combine the diced onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and the two cans of prepeeled Roma tomatoes.
3
Add half of the fresh basil leaves whole to the pot, along with a generous drizzle of high-quality virgin olive oil.
4
Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat and allow it to cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
5
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the sauce rest for at least 15 minutes to deepen the flavors.
6
In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of the starchy pasta water.
7
Transfer the drained spaghetti to a large serving bowl or plate.
8
Pour the rich tomato sauce over the spaghetti, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
9
Finely chop the remaining half of the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the plated dish.
10
Finish with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on top.
11
Serve immediately, enjoying the warmth and flavors of this classic Italian dish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Spaghetti al Pomodoro?
It is a traditional Italian pasta dish featuring a simple yet rich sauce made from sun-ripened Roma tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, and fresh basil.
Who inspired this specific Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the tastes and preferences of the legendary actress Audrey Hepburn.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary vegetables used in the sauce base?
The sauce base is made with a combination of diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
What type of tomatoes should I use for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 32 ounces of canned prepeeled Roma tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How long should the tomato sauce simmer?
The sauce should be simmered over low heat for 45 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Why does the sauce need to rest after cooking?
Resting the sauce for at least 15 minutes after cooking allows the flavors to deepen and mature.
How much spaghetti do I need for this recipe?
You will need 16 ounces of uncooked spaghetti noodles.
What is the secret to the sauce's consistency?
Reserving a small cup of the starchy pasta water and adding it to the sauce helps achieve the perfect consistency.
What type of oil is recommended for this dish?
High-quality virgin olive oil is recommended for drizzling and flavor.
How much Parmesan cheese should be used for topping?
The recipe suggests using between 4 to 8 ounces of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese.
When should I add the fresh basil to the dish?
Half of the fresh basil is added whole during the simmering process, and the remaining half is chopped and sprinkled over the final plated dish.
What does 'al dente' mean in relation to the pasta?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which is the traditional Italian way to serve it.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the preparation for the carrots and celery?
The carrots should be peeled and diced, and the celery stalks should be diced.
Can I use any type of tomato for this recipe?
While Roma tomatoes are specified for their sweetness and texture, you can use other canned tomatoes if Roma is unavailable.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is described as a flavorful one-dish meal perfect for family gatherings.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the recommended onion size?
One small onion, peeled and diced, is sufficient for the sauce.
Is nutritional information like calories or fat provided?
Specific nutritional values like calories, fat, and carbohydrates are not provided in this recipe data.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
While you can use it, the recipe specifically recommends freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best authentic taste.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Italian, pasta, spaghetti, pomodoro, vegetarian, and comfort food.
Should the basil leaves be chopped before simmering?
No, the first half of the basil leaves should be added whole to the pot during the simmer.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely minced before being added to the pot.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, despite the simmering time, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a simple preparation dish.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While the recipe calls for spaghetti, the sauce would pair well with other pasta shapes like penne or linguine.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions specify bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil for the noodles.
What makes the sauce 'rich'?
The combination of simmering tomatoes with aromatic vegetables and a generous drizzle of virgin olive oil creates a rich flavor profile.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served immediately, topped with fresh chopped basil and generous shavings of Parmesan cheese.