Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of creating a restaurant-quality pasta meal right from your own kitchen, this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining silky strands of hand-made spaghetti with a vibrant, flavorful sauce made from fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil, this dish brings an authentic Italian experience to your table. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with loved ones or impressing guests with your cooking skills, all while savoring the richness of simple, fresh ingredients that shine through every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to highlight freshness and deliver deep flavors. The ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in the final taste, texture, and color of the dish.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for your tender yet firm homemade spaghetti dough.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the dough together and add richness for a perfect pasta texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon plus to taste): Enhances flavor in both dough and sauce.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds silkiness to the dough and depth to the savory sauce.
- Water (2 tablespoons, as needed): Helps achieve the right dough consistency without making it sticky.
- Small onion (1, finely chopped): Brings a gentle sweetness as the base of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The star ingredient delivering robust tomato flavor and luscious body.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the tomato essence for a richer sauce.
- Dried oregano & basil (1 teaspoon each): Classic herbs that give the sauce an unmistakable Italian character.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Add a subtle kick that awakens your palate.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): Balances acidity for a perfectly rounded sauce.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup chopped): Added at the end for a burst of fresh herbal aroma.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): The finishing touch that adds a savory, nutty layer to your plate.
How to Make Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Make the Pasta Dough
Start by creating a well in your flour on a clean surface, then crack in the eggs, salt, and olive oil. Using a fork, gently mix these together, gradually incorporating the flour to create a rough dough. If the dough feels dry, add water a little at a time. Once it comes together, knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten structure that gives fresh pasta its ideal bite. Let your dough rest, covered, for 30 minutes to relax the gluten, which makes rolling it out so much easier.
Step 2: Shape the Spaghetti
After resting, roll the dough out on a floured surface until it’s thin and almost translucent. Use a pasta cutter or a sharp knife to slice into thin spaghetti strands. Allow the pasta to dry slightly before cooking, which helps maintain their shape when boiled.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce
Heat olive oil in a pan and soften your finely chopped onion over medium heat until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic next and cook for just a minute more to prevent bitterness. Now stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, basil, optional red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar for balance. Let this mixture simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld and the sauce to thicken to a lovely consistency.
Step 4: Cook Your Homemade Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, then drop in your fresh spaghetti. It cooks much faster than dried pasta—usually about 2 to 3 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with your vibrant tomato basil sauce so every strand is perfectly coated in that luscious, herb-filled goodness.
How to Serve Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches truly elevate this dish. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese generously over your pasta, allowing its sharp saltiness to contrast beautifully with the sweet tomato sauce. Add a handful of chopped fresh basil on top for a punch of color and an herbaceous fragrance that makes every bite feel like summer.
Side Dishes
Pair this classic plate with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate between bites. Garlic bread or a warm focaccia also complements the meal wonderfully, allowing you to soak up every last bit of the sauce. For a heartier option, roast some seasonal vegetables or add a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, twist the spaghetti into elegant nests on each plate. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some extra Parmesan for a restaurant-level presentation. Serve with a small bowl of freshly torn basil leaves on the side so guests can adjust herbiness to their liking. Simple garnishes can make your humble homemade pasta feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them separate prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.
Freezing
Both cooked spaghetti and sauce freeze well. Freeze them in tight containers or freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Pasta is best frozen without sauce to maintain texture, but if you prefer freezing them together, keep portions small for quicker thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the sauce gently in a pan over low heat to keep it luscious and avoid burning. Warm the pasta in boiling water for just a minute to refresh its texture before combining. Together they’ll taste nearly as fresh as the day you made them.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for the pasta dough?
Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for pasta, but the dough might be more delicate and slightly harder to roll out. Adding xanthan gum can help with elasticity.
Is fresh basil necessary or can I use dried basil instead?
Fresh basil adds a bright, fragrant note that dried basil cannot fully replicate. However, dried basil is a fine substitute during the cooking process but add fresh basil at the end if possible for maximum flavor.
Can I prep the sauce a day ahead?
Absolutely! The sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just reheat gently before serving.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking?
After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil or a small amount of sauce immediately. This helps keep strands separated while preserving the fresh taste.
What type of tomatoes works best for the sauce?
High-quality canned crushed tomatoes are ideal for consistency and flavor year-round. If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can peel and crush them yourself for an even fresher take.
Final Thoughts
Making your own pasta may sound intimidating, but this Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe proves it’s a joyful, rewarding experience that truly elevates dinner to something special. Once you taste the tender noodles paired with that bright, heartwarming sauce, you’ll want to keep coming back to this classic in your kitchen repertoire. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
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Homemade Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Homemade Spaghetti recipe features fresh pasta made from scratch combined with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for a family meal, it takes about an hour to prepare and offers a delicious alternative to store-bought pasta with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
For the 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 flour little by little. Add water as needed to form a workable dough.
- Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it and let it rest for 30 minutes to develop gluten and relax the dough.
- Roll and Cut the Pasta: After resting, roll out the dough to your desired thickness and cut it into spaghetti strands using a pasta cutter or a knife. Let the strands 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, stirring constantly.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fresh homemade spaghetti for 2-3 minutes or until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain thoroughly.
- Toss and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta with the warm tomato sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add freshness and a creamy finish.
Notes
- Adding water gradually when mixing the dough helps achieve the right consistency without making it too sticky.
- Resting the dough is essential for easier rolling and better texture.
- Simmering the sauce low and slow enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.
- If you don’t have a pasta cutter, a sharp knife and a steady hand work well.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor but can be omitted or substituted as needed.
- Red pepper flakes are optional for a subtle heat; adjust based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
