Spaghetti with Quickest Tomato Sauce

Create a delicious and flavorful tomato sauce in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients. The key to achieving robust tomato flavor lies in the combination of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. The crushed tomatoes provide a slightly thickened texture, while the diced tomatoes offer bursts of tomato goodness. With the addition of aromatic garlic and fragrant olive oil, this sauce comes together quickly and easily. Serve it over spaghetti for a classic and satisfying meal, and don’t forget to top it with grated Parmesan for an extra layer of deliciousness. In no time, you’ll have a mouthwatering tomato sauce that will elevate your pasta dishes. Check out the nutritional information provided after the recipe to keep track of your dietary preferences.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 pound spaghetti
• Salt and pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until fragrant but not browned, for about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Simmer the mixture until slightly thickened, for about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot with 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta, stirring often, until it reaches the desired al dente texture. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Add the tomato sauce and chopped fresh basil to the cooked spaghetti. Toss everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. If needed, add the reserved cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
6. Serve the spaghetti with tomato sauce immediately.

YIELD: The recipe yields servings for multiple people.

TIPS:

• For a variation, you can add other ingredients such as cooked ground meat, sautéed vegetables, or herbs of your choice to customize the sauce.
• Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 69g
• Protein: 13g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 480mg

In conclusion, this recipe demonstrates how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce in just 20 minutes. By combining crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, the sauce achieves the perfect balance of texture and tomato flavor. The addition of aromatic garlic and fragrant olive oil enhances the overall taste profile of the dish. Serve this delightful sauce over al dente spaghetti, and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of freshness. Feel free to customize the sauce by adding your favorite ingredients, such as cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables. This versatile sauce is a go-to recipe that can be enjoyed on its own or as a base for other pasta dishes. Keep track of your dietary preferences with the provided nutritional information. Indulge in this quick and delicious tomato sauce, and elevate your pasta meals with its robust and satisfying flavors.