If you’ve ever dreamed of creating authentic Italian flavors right in your own kitchen, then this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is about to become your new best friend. From the tender, silky homemade spaghetti strands to the vibrant, aromatic sauce made from fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, every forkful bursts with freshness and love. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of simple, quality ingredients that come together in the most mouthwatering way you can imagine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe rests in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute its unique touch—whether it’s the flour’s smooth texture for the pasta or the fresh basil that lifts the sauce into a fragrant masterpiece. Keeping things straightforward ensures you get a vibrant, satisfying dish without fuss.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The perfect base for a tender yet firm homemade spaghetti dough.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and binding power to the pasta.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor subtly in both dough and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for dough): Adds pliability and a hint of richness to the pasta.
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed): Helps hydrate the dough for the perfect consistency.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce): For sautéing onions and garlic, adding mellow depth.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Gives a sweet, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible punch of flavor to brighten the sauce.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, rich and full-bodied.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy note to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor to complement fresh basil later on.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance all flavors perfectly in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Helps cut acidity for a pleasantly balanced sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped: Added at the end for bright, fresh herbal notes.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving): A nutty, savory topping that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
The magic begins by creating the pasta dough. On a clean surface, mound your flour and create a well in the center—this inviting crater is where the eggs, salt, and olive oil come together. Using a fork, slowly incorporate the flour little by little into the wet ingredients. If the dough feels too dry, add water sparingly until it just starts coming together. Knead the dough vigorously for about 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Then, cover it with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes; this resting period lets the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Spaghetti
Once rested, it’s time to roll out your dough as thin as possible using a rolling pin or pasta machine. The thinner the dough, the more delicate and authentic your noodles will be. Using a pasta cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into spaghetti strands about â…› inch wide. Lay them out on a clean surface to dry just slightly – this makes cooking easier and prevents clumping.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, which is crucial for a flavorful base. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar to mellow acidity. Let this simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, which allows all those bright flavors to marry beautifully into a luscious, thick sauce.
Step 4: Cook and Combine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your homemade spaghetti for just 2 to 3 minutes—fresh pasta cooks so much faster than store-bought, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking. Once tender, drain the noodles and immediately toss them into the simmering sauce, letting every strand absorb that gorgeous tomato basil flavor. Give it a gentle stir so everything melds together perfectly.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is everything here, so sprinkle chopped fresh basil over your plated spaghetti for a visual and flavor boost. Then, grate plenty of Parmesan cheese right on top—it adds a savory, slightly nutty contrast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a main, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil or a warm, crusty garlic bread creates a perfectly balanced, soul-satisfying meal. The acidity and crunch of a salad or the buttery yumminess of garlic bread both play off the saucy pasta delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Twist generous nests of your homemade spaghetti on a fork or spoon, then slide them neatly onto plates, topping with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few basil leaves for elegance. You can also serve the sauce on the side for guests to add as much as they like — perfect for picky eaters and pasta lovers alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the pasta from sticking together overnight, tossing it lightly with a drizzle of olive oil before refrigerating works wonders.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months, making future meals even easier. Avoid freezing the fresh pasta, as the texture changes upon thawing and reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate and reheat evenly. If reheating sauce, do so on low heat, stirring often to prevent scorching, and add a touch of fresh basil after warming for a burst of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pasta instead of making homemade?
Absolutely! While fresh homemade pasta elevates the dish with its tender texture, store-bought spaghetti works perfectly well and saves time. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly—they generally require longer boiling.
What can I substitute for fresh basil if I don’t have any?
If fresh basil isn’t available, using dried basil in the sauce is helpful, but fresh basil provides that bright, aromatic lift at the end. Alternatively, fresh parsley or oregano can offer different but complementary flavors to fill the gap.
Is the sugar necessary in the tomato sauce?
The sugar is optional and mainly used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If your canned tomatoes are naturally sweet, you might skip it entirely. Taste as you go and adjust based on the sauce’s flavor.
How thin should I roll the pasta dough?
Try to roll the dough until it’s almost translucent, about 1-2 millimeters thick. Thin pasta cooks quickly and has a delightfully delicate bite, which is key for making this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe truly special.
Can I add meat or other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! While the fresh tomato basil sauce shines on its own, adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked Italian sausage can make the dish heartier and add layers of flavor—customize it to your liking!
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that rewards you with heartfelt comfort and irresistible flavor. It’s simple, fresh, and utterly satisfying—a dish that brings people together with warmth and smiles. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and whip up this beautiful Italian classic that tastes like a true labor of love.
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Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This homemade spaghetti recipe combines freshly made pasta with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Using simple ingredients, you can create an authentic Italian meal from scratch, including tender spaghetti strands and a savory sauce simmered with herbs and garlic. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish serves four and showcases the joy of homemade pasta paired with classic tomato basil sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
Tomato Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the Pasta: On a clean surface, create a well in the flour and add the eggs, salt, and olive oil. Gradually mix with a fork, incorporating the flour little by little. Add water as needed to form a dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out later.
- Roll and Cut the Pasta: Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into spaghetti strands using a pasta cutter or knife. Allow the cut pasta to dry slightly before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar (if desired). Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the homemade spaghetti for 2-3 minutes or until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- Resting the pasta dough is essential for easier rolling and better texture.
- You can adjust the amount of water in the dough to achieve a smooth, not sticky consistency.
- If you don’t have a pasta cutter, use a sharp knife to slice the dough into thin strips.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted if you prefer a milder sauce.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of olive oil or butter at the end of cooking.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor; add it last to preserve its aroma.
