Old School Spaghetti Recipe
Old school spaghetti is a timeless comfort food that brings you back to the basics of Italian-American cooking. With its rich, flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and simple, rustic ingredients, this dish is both satisfying and delicious. It’s the kind of recipe that has been passed down through generations, each family adding their own special touch but keeping the essence of the dish unchanged: hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this classic spaghetti will always hit the spot.
This recipe centers around a homemade tomato sauce that is simmered low and slow to develop deep, robust flavors. With a blend of tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano, the sauce is the heart of this dish. The pasta is cooked al dente, just the way it should be, and tossed with the sauce to ensure every strand is coated in the savory goodness. For a finishing touch, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a creamy, salty contrast to the tangy sauce, completing the dish. The best part about this spaghetti is its simplicity—no fancy ingredients or techniques required, just honest, good food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cooking Time, Preparation Time, and Servings
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
– Servings: 4-6 servings
Why You Will Love This Recipe
1. Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, and pasta to create a delicious, satisfying meal.
2. Quick & Easy: With a 30-minute cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and flavorful fast.
3. Customizable: You can easily adjust the sauce, add extra vegetables or meats, and even make it your own with different seasonings.
4. Comforting: This dish is the ultimate comfort food—perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, savory sauce is always satisfying.
5. Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good plate of spaghetti, making this an ideal choice for families, dinner parties, or potlucks.
Ingredients Notes
– Pasta: You can use any kind of spaghetti you prefer—regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly once tossed with the sauce.
– Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are the best option for a quick and flavorful sauce. Use whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or a combination of both. If using fresh tomatoes, you’ll need to peel and chop them, which can be a bit time-consuming.
– Olive Oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor of your sauce and add richness. It’s worth using the best you can find.
– Seasonings: Fresh basil and oregano are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with dried Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
– Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will bring the best flavor. You can also use a store-bought grated version, but fresh will give you a much better result.
How to Make Old School Spaghetti
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Make the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet, breaking them apart with a spoon if using whole tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. You can add more pasta water if needed.
5. Finish and Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Storage Options
– Refrigerator: Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little extra olive oil or a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
– Freezer: Spaghetti and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up on the stove or in the microwave.
Variations and Substitutions
– Add Meat: Ground beef, pork, or turkey can be added to the sauce for a meatier version. Brown the meat with the onions and garlic before adding the tomatoes for added depth of flavor.
– Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian twist, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can also add spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
– Spicy Version: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth while it simmers. You can also toss in some spicy Italian sausage for added flavor.
– Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
– Cheese Lovers: If you’re a fan of cheese, add fresh mozzarella or ricotta on top for a creamy, cheesy finish.
Conclusion
Old school spaghetti is the ultimate comfort food—a simple yet flavorful dish that never goes out of style. With a rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a meal that brings joy to the table every time. This recipe is versatile enough to allow for your personal touch, whether you prefer to add meat, extra vegetables, or more spices. It’s quick, easy, and loved by all, making it the perfect choice for busy nights or family gatherings. Enjoy this classic dish and savor the comforting flavors of a meal that’s truly timeless.