Classic Spaghetti Napolitana
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort? Let's Make Spaghetti Napolitana!
Ever get that craving for pure, unadulterated comfort food? Honestly, sometimes all I want is a big bowl of pasta.
This spaghetti napolitana recipe is my go-to. It's simple, satisfying, and totally delicious. Think vibrant tomato flavour, perfectly cooked pasta, and a touch of fresh basil.
A Taste of Italy: Quick, Easy, and Delicious
This sauce tomate is an Italian classic. It is from Naples and is so simple. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of Italy.
This recipe is easy. The prep takes only 15 minutes . Cooking is about 30 minutes . This recipe makes 4 servings .
Perfect for a family dinner.
Health and Happiness in a Bowl
Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. A bowl of spaghetti napolitana is good for your heart and your taste buds. This is great for a weeknight meal.
It's a crowd pleaser and it's utterly delicious .
It is quite different to Puttanesca Pasta Recipe .
Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients!
Ingredients for Classic Spaghetti Napolitana
Here's what you'll need to create this masterpiece, and how it relates to Puttanesca Recipes :
- Olive Oil : 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
- Onion : 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic : 2 cloves, minced
- Canned Crushed Tomatoes : 28 ounces (794g)
- Tomato Paste : 2 tablespoons (30g)
- Dried Oregano : 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Dried Basil : 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Sugar : 1 teaspoon (5g)
- Salt : 1 teaspoon (5g), or to taste
- Black Pepper : ½ teaspoon (2.5g), or to taste
- Fresh Basil Leaves : ¼ cup, chopped
And of course, some Spaghetti !
Ingredients & Equipment: The Heart of Spaghetti Napolitana
So, you wanna whip up some Spaghetti Napolitana ? Ace! Let's talk about the gear you'll need. This simple spaghetti recipe focuses on fresh flavour.
That means good ingredients are key. It's not about fancy cheffy skills, I promise!
Main Ingredients: Keep It Real!
Here's the breakdown for our easy pasta sauce recipe .
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces (794g). Good tomatoes matter. Seriously.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons (30g)
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g). Balances the acid!
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g), or to taste
Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g), or to taste
Fresh Basil Leaves: ¼ cup , chopped
Spaghetti: 1 pound (454g)
Salt: 1 tablespoon (15g). For the pasta water!
For those tinned tomatoes, go for the best you can afford. Trust me, quality shines through in the final sauce.
They are the base of our spaghetti tomato sauce recipe , and the star of this Neapolitan pasta recipe !
Seasoning Notes: Tastebud Magic
Oregano and basil is the base of a lot of Italian pasta recipes . Add a tiny pinch of sugar. Trust me, it helps balance the tangy acidity of the tomatoes.
Taste, taste, taste as you go. Salt and pepper are your friends. For a Puttanesca Spaghetti feel, adding capers and olives really adds a salty, briny depth.
If you are feeling adventurous try this Puttanesca Pasta Recipe
Equipment Needed: No Fuss, No Frills
You really don't need much for this. I love my trusty Dutch oven.
- Large pot or Dutch oven.
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Colander
A big pot is great, because it gives the sauce space to bubble away without splattering everywhere. A colander is essential.
No one wants soggy spaghetti. You can try also using a ladle to add the pasta directly to the sauce, but it is more risky! There you have it! Super simple, right? Now, let's get cooking!
Cooking Method: Mastering the Classic Spaghetti Napolitana
Alright, let's get cracking on this Spaghetti Napolitana recipe! Honestly, it's so simple even I can't mess it up, and you know how clumsy I am in the kitchen.
We are going to create a simple spaghetti tomato sauce recipe . This easy pasta sauce recipe will take you to Italy with a single bite.
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
Essential mise en place is key. Get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices.
It'll save you a ton of time and stress.
Time saving organization tips? Defrost that frozen garlic bread the night before. You know you want it.
Safety first! Especially around hot oil. Always add ingredients away from your body to prevent burns.
step-by-step: Spaghetti Napolitana Perfection
- Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium, finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes . Add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds . Don't let that garlic burn!
- Pour in 28 ounces (794g) of canned crushed tomatoes and 2 tablespoons (30g) of tomato paste . Stir it all up.
- Season with 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried oregano , 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried basil , 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar , 1 teaspoon (5g) salt , and ½ teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper .
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes , stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour. This is your chance to do a Puttanesca Spaghetti sauce for the adults with a red pepper flakes kick.
- While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound (454g) of spaghetti in a large pot of boiling, salted water until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti and toss it with the sauce. Garnish with ¼ cup chopped fresh basil .
Visual cues for doneness? The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. The spaghetti should be al dente – firm to the bite. Don't overcook it!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Sauce
My Nonna always said the secret to a good tomato sauce is time and good tomatoes. Splurge on the good stuff.
Avoid burning the garlic. It'll make your sauce bitter. Trust me; I've been there.
make-ahead? Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it before serving.
This gives you a shot at a stellar Puttanesca Sauce Recipe on busy weeknights.
Honestly, this Spaghetti Napolitana is so easy, it's almost embarrassing. But hey, sometimes the simplest things are the best, right? This Neapolitan pasta recipe is going to become a staple for those nights you need a quick yet delicious meal.
Enjoy your own taste of Italy at home!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Spaghetti Napolitana Ever
Alright, let's talk notes. This isn't just about slapping some spaghetti napolitana on a plate. It's about making it sing . I'm talking proper Italian Nonna level amazing!
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation matters, right? For plating, think simple elegance. Twirl the spaghetti into a nest on the plate. Ladle that gorgeous sauce over it, and top with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil.
A drizzle of good quality olive oil never hurt anyone either.
As for sides? Garlic bread is a classic. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is also great. It cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
And don't forget the bevvy! A light bodied Italian red wine like a Chianti? Perfetto !
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Honestly, this easy pasta sauce recipe is even better the next day. Keep that sauce in the fridge! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For freezing, let the sauce cool completely. Then, pop it into freezer bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion.
It'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium low heat.
Remixing the Classics
Want to mix it up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy Napolitana . Or chuck in some sautéed veggies.
Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or whatever takes your fancy! For a vegan twist, just make sure your pasta is egg-free.
No dramas there. You can use whole peeled tomatoes. Just crush them with your hands as you add them to the pot.
No fresh basil on hand? You can use an additional teaspoon of dried basil. Omit the garlic or use garlic infused oil.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's keep this simple. A serving clocks in around 450 calories. You're getting about 15g of protein, 12g of fat, and 70g of carbs.
Plus, 5g of fibre and 10g of sugar. Remember, these are estimates! But hey, tomatoes are packed with good stuff.
So you're basically being healthy. The simple spaghetti recipe is a great choice!
So go on, give this Neapolitan pasta recipe a whirl! Even if you mess up a little, it'll still taste pretty darn good.
Trust me! And don't be scared to adapt this Puttanesca Pasta Recipe with your personal touch to make your own Puttenesca Spaghetti .
After all, it's all about enjoying the process and creating something delicious. Honestly? You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Spaghetti Napolitana and how is it different from other tomato sauces?
Think of Spaghetti Napolitana as the 'Rosie and Jim' of tomato sauces simple, honest, and a true classic. It's a straightforward tomato based sauce, often just using tomatoes, garlic, onion, and herbs, unlike some others that might involve meat or cream. It's all about letting the quality of the tomatoes shine!
Can I make Spaghetti Napolitana ahead of time, like prepping for a dinner party on "Bake Off"?
Absolutely! In fact, the sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavours have had more time to meld together. You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage (up to 3 months).
Just make sure to cool it down completely before refrigerating or freezing. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture!
What if my Spaghetti Napolitana sauce is too acidic? How do I fix it without making it taste weird?
A little too much tang can happen! The recipe already includes a teaspoon of sugar to help balance acidity. You could also add a tiny pinch of baking soda just a tiny one, as too much will give it a funny taste, a bit like a science experiment gone wrong.
A splash of cream (if you're not vegan) can also mellow it out beautifully.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier; what are some ways to lighten up my Spaghetti Napolitana?
Good on you for keeping things healthy! Use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber. You can also load up on extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini in the sauce. If you're watching your sodium, be mindful of the salt content in your canned tomatoes and adjust accordingly.
Can I use fresh tomatoes for my Spaghetti Napolitana instead of canned? What's the best way to do that?
You absolutely can, especially when tomatoes are in season and bursting with flavour like Wimbledon strawberries! Blanch the tomatoes briefly in boiling water, then peel and chop them. You'll need roughly 2 pounds (900g) of fresh tomatoes to replace the 28-ounce can.
Since fresh tomatoes have more water, you might need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to achieve the desired consistency. You may also need to add a touch of tomato paste if you are not getting enough tomato flavor.
What’s the best type of spaghetti to use for Spaghetti Napolitana, and does it really matter?
While any spaghetti will technically work, using good quality, bronze die cut spaghetti can elevate your Spaghetti Napolitana game. The rough texture of bronze die pasta helps the sauce cling better. And does it really matter? Well, that's like asking if Mary Berry cares about soggy bottoms of course it does!
Ultimately it boils down to personal preference, but opting for a better quality pasta will be worth it!
Classic Spaghetti Napolitana
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |