There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl filled with perfectly cooked spaghetti wrapped in a rich, flavorful sauce. This classic dish brings warmth and satisfaction in every bite, making it a timeless favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.
The harmony of tender pasta, aromatic garlic, and bright herbs creates a simple yet deeply satisfying meal that feels both cozy and special. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish delivers familiar flavors with effortless charm.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a rich, hearty sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta.
- Quick to prepare for a comforting meal any night of the week.
- Highly versatile with options to add protein or customize flavors to your taste.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti: Classic long pasta that holds sauce beautifully and cooks to an ideal al dente texture.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds smooth richness and helps gently cook the aromatics without burning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with fragrant warmth and a subtle spicy kick.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right amount of heat to balance the rich tomato notes.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce: Forms the heart of the sauce with bright, fresh tomato goodness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce and pasta.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle earthiness and spice complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the sauce its classic Italian character.
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved): Helps loosen the sauce while making it silky and clingy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Offers salty, nutty depth and a creamy finish.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Brightens and freshens the finished dish with herbal notes.
Instructions
- Boil Perfect Pasta
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Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water will help your sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Sauté Aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. This gentle cooking draws out the onion’s natural sweetness, forming a flavorful base for your sauce.
- Add Garlic and Spice
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Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter; this step infuses the oil with warm, aromatic flavors that build depth.
- Create the Sauce
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce, then season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
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Add the drained spaghetti back into the pan with the sauce and pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the noodles with the glossy, flavorful sauce, creating a perfect harmony of texture and taste.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta and scatter fresh basil or parsley on top. Their creamy, herbaceous notes add brightness and depth, making the dish irresistible just before serving.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy
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Use large bowls to pile the spaghetti high and serve immediately while warm. This dish shines best fresh and hot, making it a truly satisfying comfort food experience.
- Reserving pasta water is crucial as it contains starch that helps emulsify and thicken your sauce.
- If using marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes, adjust seasoning to taste since store-bought sauces vary in saltiness.
- Adding freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for soaking up extra sauce. Add a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon to complete a cozy, satisfying meal.
- For extra depth, sauté the onions slowly over low heat until caramelized before adding garlic.
- Incorporate a splash of cream or butter into the sauce for a luscious, creamy variation.
- Top with lemon zest or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add brightness and complexity.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta?
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Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni, which also hold the sauce nicely.
- Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?
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Fresh basil or parsley adds brightness and a fresh aroma, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch, adjusting quantities to taste.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
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Simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative to make the dish vegan-friendly while keeping the delicious flavors.
- How spicy is this recipe?
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The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be adjusted or omitted depending on your spice preference.
- Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
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Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days; reheat gently before tossing with pasta.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover spaghetti?
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Reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of olive oil or pasta water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Bowl Brimming Spaghetti
Equipment
- 1 large pot for boiling pasta
- 1 large pan for cooking sauce
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the spaghetti.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer the sauce for 8 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.
- Add the cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the noodles are glossy and well coated.
- Top the pasta with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately, enjoying warm.
Notes
- Add meatballs or shrimp for protein variations.
- Substitute butter and garlic for a simpler sauce.
- Stir in cream to create a creamy spaghetti.
- Finish with lemon zest to brighten flavors.
- Extra cheese enhances richness and taste.
