Ingredients
Scale
Gathering these ingredients is like preparing a painter’s palette for a masterpiece, each item contributing its own unique color and flavor.
- 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
You can substitute whole peeled tomatoes with crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce or use gluten-free pasta if needed. The olive oil, of course, is reminiscent of the golden liquid that my grandmother would drizzle over everything, from salads to fresh bread.
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Crush the tomatoes by hand directly into the skillet, adding all the juices from the cans. This step always reminds me of the joy I found in helping Nonna Rosa in the garden, squeezing tomatoes for sauce.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add the torn basil leaves to the sauce, stirring to combine. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse the sauce with its fresh, fragrant aroma.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a final touch that reminds me of the finishing flourishes Nonna Rosa loved.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
