How to prepare spaghetti with fresh tomatoes?

Making spaghetti with homemade tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes is simple and rewarding. Follow these steps for the best results: 1- Choose ripe tomatoes – Roma or San Marzano varieties work best. 2- Blanch and peel – Boil tomatoes for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slide right off. 3- Chop and cook – Sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, then add chopped tomatoes and seasonings. 4- Simmer and blend – Cook on low heat for 30–40 minutes, then blend if you prefer a smoother sauce. 5- Combine with pasta – Toss your cooked spaghetti into the sauce, mix well, and enjoy!

What is the secret to a rich homemade tomato sauce?

The key to an unforgettable homemade tomato pasta sauce lies in slow cooking and quality ingredients. Here’s what makes a difference: - Slow simmering: Cooking your sauce for at least 30–60 minutes deepens the flavor. - Olive oil and garlic: A generous amount of high-quality olive oil enhances richness. - Tomato paste: Adding a tablespoon of tomato paste boosts umami and thickness. - Parmesan rind: Simmering a cheese rind in the sauce adds a deep, savory taste. - Balancing acidity: If your sauce is too tangy, a pinch of sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar smooths it out.

Can I make tomato sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making homemade tomato sauce in advance saves time and enhances the flavor. Here’s how: - Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. - Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. - Reheat properly: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if the sauce thickens too much.

What type of spaghetti is best for tomato sauce?

Classic spaghetti is a great choice, but other pasta types can work well too: - Thin Spaghetti (Angel Hair): Best for a light, quick-cooking tomato sauce. - Regular Spaghetti: The perfect balance of texture and sauce absorption. - Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Great for a healthier twist. - Linguine or Bucatini: Slightly thicker options for heartier sauces.

Spaghetti with Homemade Tomato – Easy, Flavorful & Perfect

Description

A classic Italian pasta dish featuring homemade tomato sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 lbs fresh Roma or San Marzano tomatoes (or canned)
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp tomato paste (for depth of flavor)
½ tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
½ cup reserved pasta water (for sauce consistency)

For the Pasta:

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For Garnishing:

Fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese
Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. Peel and chop them.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until soft.
Stir in tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes, and fresh tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Spaghetti

In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add salt.
Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer drained spaghetti into the pan with sauce. Toss well.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Divide pasta among plates. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.
Drizzle with olive oil and serve immediately.

Notes

For a chunkier sauce: Skip blending the tomatoes.
For a smoother sauce: Blend the cooked tomatoes before adding basil.
For extra depth: Simmer with a Parmesan rind or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Prep Time: 15minutes
Cook Time: 45minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 12g

Keywords: spaghetti with homemade tomato, homemade spaghetti sauce, fresh tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy tomato sauce