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Easy pasta pomodoro recipe.
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5 from 1 vote

Pasta Pomodoro

Pasta pomodoro made with spaghetti, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil, cooked into a simple tomato sauce.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Pastas
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Yumna Jawad

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 pounds tomatoes diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down.
  • Stir in the chopped basil and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss until evenly coated, adding more pasta water as needed for your desired consistency.
  • Serve topped with more fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • My Top Tip: Peel the tomatoes first. This is optional, but I recommend doing it for an extra smooth sauce.
  • Storage: Pasta pomodoro tastes best when it's fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water until warmed through.
  • Freezing: I recommend freezing the Napolitana sauce separately from the spaghetti. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cups pasta with sauce | Calories: 268kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 418mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 991IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

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