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If you’ve ever wanted to impress your friends and family with a dish bursting with fresh flavors and that homemade charm, this Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is just the ticket. From the tender, freshly made spaghetti strands to the rich, fragrant tomato basil sauce simmered to perfection, every bite is a celebration of classic Italian comfort food done right. There is something incredibly rewarding about crafting your pasta from scratch and pairing it with a sauce that’s both vibrant and cozy. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings warmth and authenticity straight to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe truly shine is the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role—from the flour that forms the perfect pasta base to the fresh basil that adds a fragrant finishing touch. Let’s dive into the essentials that you’ll gather to create this unforgettable dish.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, elastic spaghetti dough.
- 2 large eggs: Adds richness and binds the pasta dough together beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor in both dough and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough): Helps make the dough smooth and pliable.
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed): Adjusts dough consistency for the perfect texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce): Creates a flavorful base for sautéing onions and garlic.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The vibrant body of the tomato basil sauce.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor for a richer sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthiness and classic Italian herbiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the herbal crunch and fresh flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that livens up the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances the acidity of tomatoes for a mellow sweetness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: The bright, fresh finish that makes the sauce sing.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): Adds a nutty, salty richness to complete your plate.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
Start by creating a well in your flour on a clean surface and crack in the eggs along with salt and olive oil. Slowly incorporate the flour using a fork, mixing carefully to keep it manageable. This slow introduction is key to forming a smooth dough without lumps. If the dough feels dry, add water little by little until it comes together into a firm ball.
Step 2: Knead and Rest
Transfer your dough to a clean surface and knead it vigorously for about 10 minutes. This step develops the gluten, giving your spaghetti that lovely chew and elasticity. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. Resting is essential because it relaxes the dough, making it easier to roll out later.
Step 3: Roll and Cut the Spaghetti
Once rested, roll out the dough with a rolling pin or pasta machine to your desired thinness — not paper-thin, but thin enough to be delicate yet sturdy. Slice the dough into spaghetti strands using a pasta cutter or a sharp knife. Lay the strands out to dry just slightly; this prevents sticking when cooking shortly after.
Step 4: Prepare the Tomato Basil Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing that irresistible aroma. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper, and add sugar to balance acidity if desired. Let the sauce gently simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, harmonious flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Fresh Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh spaghetti and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes — fresh pasta cooks quickly! Test for tenderness but maintain a slight bite for the perfect texture. Drain the pasta well, then immediately toss it into your simmered tomato basil sauce, so every strand gets lovingly coated.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this dish more than fresh garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil generously over the top to add a burst of bright herbaceous aroma. Finish with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, melt-in-your-mouth contrast. These simple touches bring elegance and balance to your bowl.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness of homemade spaghetti with tomato basil sauce, consider a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or a plate of garlic-roasted vegetables. Crusty bread or homemade focaccia is fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that luscious sauce, turning every bite into a full experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your spaghetti in a shallow pasta bowl with a sprig of basil perched artfully on top. You can also twist the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate to make it look restaurant-worthy. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic glaze for that gourmet finish. Presentation can truly make your homemade meal feel like a special celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart prevents the pasta from becoming mushy while allowing you to reheat and combine just before serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the tomato basil sauce alone very successfully. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, where it keeps well for up to 3 months. Fresh pasta doesn’t freeze as well, so cook and freeze the sauce to enjoy flavorful, quick dinners later on.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. For the pasta, it’s best reheated by quickly blanching in boiling water for a minute or two, then mixing with warm sauce. Avoid microwave reheating pasta directly, as it tends to dry out or become rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pasta instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! While the charm of this Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe lies in fresh pasta, store-bought spaghetti still works beautifully and saves time. Just cook it according to package instructions and toss in the sauce.
How do I prevent the fresh pasta from sticking together?
Make sure to lightly dust your cut spaghetti with flour or semolina flour as you lay it out to dry. Also, tossing the cooked pasta with a little olive oil or mixing it immediately with the sauce helps prevent sticking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the tomato basil sauce actually tastes better when made ahead because the flavors have more time to meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and reheat when ready to serve with fresh pasta.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used, but add it earlier during the sauce cooking to allow flavor infusion. Keep in mind fresh basil offers a brighter, lively taste that really shines in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! Use olive oil in place of eggs for the pasta dough, opt for vegan Parmesan alternatives for serving, and ensure no animal products are in your cheese substitutes. The sauce itself is plant-based, naturally making this recipe friendly to vegan diets with minor adjustments.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t beat the satisfaction of twirling freshly made spaghetti coated in a warm, fragrant tomato basil sauce that you crafted with your own hands. This Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients with a bit of love and patience to deliver a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a go and make your kitchen the coziest spot in the house tonight!
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Homemade Spaghetti with Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic homemade spaghetti recipe featuring fresh pasta made from scratch paired with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce simmered with herbs and spices. This dish is perfect for a comforting homemade Italian meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Pasta Dough: On a clean surface, create a well in the flour and add the eggs, salt, and olive oil. Gradually mix with a fork, incorporating the flour little by little. Add water if needed to form a cohesive dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Roll and Cut the Pasta: Roll out the rested dough using a rolling pin or pasta machine to your desired thinness. Cut into spaghetti strands using a pasta cutter or knife. Allow them to dry slightly before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and simmer the sauce gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop and thicken the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh homemade spaghetti for 2-3 minutes or until tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Drain the pasta.
- Toss and Serve: Immediately toss the cooked pasta with the warm tomato sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a pasta machine to roll out the dough evenly and achieve consistent thickness.
- You can adjust the water in the dough based on flour humidity and egg size—add just enough to form a pliable dough.
- The red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder sauce.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with additional dried basil, though fresh provides better flavor.
- This homemade pasta can be dried and stored for later use or frozen for up to a month.
