Description
A classic Italian pasta dish celebrating fresh tomatoes and basil, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2-1/2 lbs ripe vine-ripened tomatoes (~4 large tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 shallot (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (pressed or minced)
- Pinch of sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Score the bottom of the tomatoes with a shallow “X” then carefully add to the pot and boil for 30 seconds.
- Remove tomatoes to a colander then place a lid on top of the pot and turn heat down to low to keep warm for cooking the pasta.
- Once tomatoes aren’t hot to the touch, peel away and discard the skins.
- Chop tomatoes then add – juices, seeds and all – to a bowl and set aside.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet with high sides or medium-sized Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add shallots then sauté until tender, 3-5 minutes.
- Add garlic then sauté until very fragrant but not browned, 30 seconds.
- Add chopped tomatoes and sugar then stir to combine and simmer until sauce reaches desired consistency, 25-30 minutes.
- During the last 5 minutes of the cooking process, tear in fresh basil leaves and add butter, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine then taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
- When the sauce has 15 minutes left to cook, bring the pot of water back to a boil then add 1 Tablespoon salt.
- Add spaghetti then cook until al dente and drain.
- Scoop cooked pasta into bowls then top with the desired amount of pomodoro sauce and parmesan cheese, if using.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. The sauce can also be enhanced with sugar to balance acidity but is optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg