Simple Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

  • Posted on
  • by
  • in

Fresh tomato sauce with garlic and basil can be tossed together in just minutes. Add spaghetti and anything else you like. Complete this fine meal with a garden salad and a good bottle of Chianti.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 3 large in season ripe tomatoes, diced or 1-16 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 small can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup light red wine, (try a French burgundy)
  • 3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces Parmesan Reggiano, freshly grated or shaved
  • 1 pound spaghetti

    Instructions:

    In a large sauté pan heat 2 tablespoons oil, add diced tomatoes and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add wine and cook until reduced by half. Add crushed tomatoes and heat for through. Stir in basil and reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

    In a large pot of boiling water, cook the spaghetti until just done- al dente. Drain and toss with the sauce and additional basil to garnish.

    Cooking Wiser:
    To create a truly healthy version use whole wheat pasta

    Create your own
    Add any of the following in any combination
    1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms
    1 cup cook cooked ground beef, turkey, lamb, or sausage (can make any amount of meatballs)
    1 pound Italian sausage
    1/2 cup sautéed onions, green, red or yellow bell peppers
    1/4 cup sliced green and/or black olives
    1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts
    Top with any cheese, for example use feta with olives, mozzarella with vegetables.