If you have ever wondered what elevates a simple Italian dinner into an unforgettable feast, look no further than The Best Spaghetti Recipe. This dish combines the charm of everyday ingredients like garlic, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes to deliver a rich, comforting sauce that clings perfectly to tender strands of spaghetti. It’s a heartwarming, vibrant, and deeply flavorful meal that feels like a warm embrace at the end of a busy day. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a dinner everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of The Best Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing robust flavors and luscious textures, allowing the sauce and pasta to sing in harmony. You’ll find that these basics are both easy to source and essential to build a sauce that’s vibrant with an irresistible homemade taste.
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta: The backbone of the dish, this pasta cooks to a perfect al dente and combines wonderfully with the sauce.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps gently cook the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce that’s absolutely essential.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The juicy heart of the recipe, giving the sauce its beautiful red color and fresh tomato flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that lends a hint of earthy warmth and complexity.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Infuses the sauce with a sweet, aromatic touch that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick and lively heat if you like your pasta to have a bit of spice.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors and bring everything into perfect balance.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Stirred in at the end for a fresh, herbaceous burst and vibrant green contrast.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The ideal finishing touch, adding a salty, nutty richness that crowns the dish.
- Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling: A silky drizzle on top gives a subtle fruity note and glistening sheen.
How to Make The Best Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon to help bind your sauce and pasta together beautifully in later steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the spaghetti is cooking, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. Be sure not to brown the garlic too much, as you want it fragrant but not bitter.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook down for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens just slightly and those flavors meld into a luscious, hearty mixture.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now the fun part! Add the cooked spaghetti to your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat every strand in that rich red sauce. If it feels a bit dry or sticky, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles like a dream.
Step 5: Add Fresh Basil
Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the chopped fresh basil. This adds delightful freshness and a pop of color that signals your dish is ready to dazzle the taste buds.
Step 6: Serve with Parmesan and Olive Oil
Dish out your spaghetti onto plates, generously sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, and if you desire, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top for that silky finish. Now get ready to savor every bite of The Best Spaghetti Recipe!
How to Serve The Best Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
While freshly chopped basil and Parmesan are classic, don’t hesitate to add a few extra touches like a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. A grating of lemon zest can also brighten the flavors in a delightful way.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit of sauce, or a simple plate of steamed vegetables to keep things light and fresh. The contrasts in texture and flavor make the meal feel complete and indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this spaghetti twirled neatly onto each plate with a large fork or even presented in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce. For a party, consider mini portions in small ramekins topped with a Parmesan crisp to impress your guests. Presentation can be as fun as the eating itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Best Spaghetti Recipe reheats wonderfully, so don’t worry if you have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the spaghetti in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly after thawing, but it remains a comforting meal when reheated. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or additional olive oil to keep the pasta moist and saucy. Microwaving works too; just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to warm evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can work beautifully if you peel and crush them yourself. It might take a bit longer to cook down, but the fresh sweetness will really shine in The Best Spaghetti Recipe.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, reserving pasta water is a game changer. The starches in the water act like a natural thickener and binder, helping the sauce coat the spaghetti perfectly without becoming watery.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan-friendly cheese alternative, and use olive oil generously. The sauce itself is naturally vegan and delicious.
What type of spaghetti is best to use?
Traditional durum wheat spaghetti works best for this recipe because it holds up well when tossed with sauce. You can try whole wheat or gluten-free versions depending on your preference, but cooking times may vary.
How do I adjust the spice level?
Start with the 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a nice gentle heat, but you can reduce or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder sauce. Alternatively, add more if you love a spicy kick in The Best Spaghetti Recipe!
Final Thoughts
Cooking The Best Spaghetti Recipe is truly a joyful experience from start to finish. Its simplicity allows you to connect with classic Italian flavors in a warm, satisfying way. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen and a beloved favorite on your dinner table. Enjoy every delicious forkful and share the warmth it brings with those you love.
Print
The Best Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic and flavorful spaghetti recipe featuring a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Perfectly cooked spaghetti is tossed in the vibrant sauce, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to help it cling to the pasta.
- Add Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally drizzle with extra olive oil for added richness. Serve immediately and enjoy your classic spaghetti dish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency and helping it adhere to the noodles.
- You can omit red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Fresh basil added at the end gives the sauce a bright, fresh flavor.
- Use good quality Parmesan for best flavor impact.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
