pasta with tomato sauce

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Tomato Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making delicious spaghetti tomato sauce is simple and rewarding. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started.

First, gather your ingredients: 400g spaghetti, 500g canned crushed tomatoes, 2-3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 medium onion (diced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). For extra richness, you can add 1 tbsp tomato paste or a splash of red wine.

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste (if using) and cook for 30 seconds to deepen the flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce!