Description
Pasta Napoletana is a classic Italian dish known for its rich and flavorful tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh basil. This simple yet delicious recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering a comforting and hearty meal with a vegetarian-friendly profile that can easily be made vegan. Tossed with spaghetti and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is an Italian staple that captures the essence of traditional Mediterranean cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
Toppings
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, then add dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Basil and Combine: Stir in the chopped fresh basil to infuse the sauce with fresh herb flavor. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Use the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening for better coverage.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired for a delightful finish.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter or additional olive oil at the end of cooking.
- For a variation called Puttanesca, try adding olives, capers, or anchovies to the sauce.
- This classic tomato sauce is vegan as written but topping with Parmesan makes it vegetarian.
- Use fresh pasta or alternative pasta types such as gluten-free options as desired, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
