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Weeknight Spaghetti

Weeknight Spaghetti
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Quick and easy Weeknight Spaghetti combines tender pasta with a savory tomato sauce and fresh herbs to create a comforting, fuss-free meal perfect for busy evenings and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti and Pasta

  • Spaghetti pasta (dry or fresh, about 12 ounces)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil mix)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (about a handful)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then stir in dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 8-10 minutes to develop deep flavors, stirring occasionally.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce until it coats the pasta perfectly.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Turn off the heat, stir in torn fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm and happy.

Notes

  • Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps bind sauce and pasta beautifully without thinning it out.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente to keep the dish textured and satisfying.
  • Use Quality Tomatoes: Good canned tomatoes make a noticeable difference in sauce flavor.
  • Sauté Gently: Cook garlic and onions low and slow to avoid bitterness and develop sweetness.
  • Fresh Herbs Last: Add basil at the end to keep its bright notes intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: weeknight spaghetti, easy spaghetti recipe, quick pasta dinner, family dinner, tomato sauce pasta, simple spaghetti, Italian pasta recipe, vegetarian spaghetti

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/weeknight-spaghetti/