Spaghetti With Fresh Tomato Sauce
A vibrant and comforting Italian pasta dish featuring a fresh tomato sauce, fragrant with basil and black pepper. Perfect for casual dinners or family meals, this dish highlights the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes paired with tender spaghetti and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook chopped onions in olive oil until lightly browned.
- Stir in peeled and sliced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Serve the tomato sauce over the spaghetti and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano instead of dried. If you're short on time, canned tomatoes can be a good substitute for fresh tomatoes. You can also add protein by incorporating cooked chicken or shrimp, which pairs beautifully with this dish. If the sauce is too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, complements the flavors of the tomato sauce beautifully. You can also sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch. This dish is perfect for a casual dinner or entertaining guests.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover spaghetti with tomato sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain the best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 860 calories, with 16g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (104% of the Daily Value), iron (67% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead of thin spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative that adds more fiber and nutrients. Just be mindful that it may require a slightly longer cooking time, so follow the package instructions for best results.
What other vegetables can I add to the sauce?
You can enhance the sauce by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them with the onions at the beginning for extra flavor and texture. This makes the dish even more nutritious and colorful.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken broth and replace it with vegetable broth. You can also add more vegetables or even some lentils for added protein, creating a hearty and satisfying meal without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).