Mediterranean Diet Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro
Transform your dinner table into a celebration of flavor and simplicity with this Mediterranean Diet Classic Spaghetti Pomodoro. This timeless Italian favorite is a feast of wholesome ingredients, featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, hand-prepared tomato sauce made from ripe, blanched tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and the finest extra virgin olive oil. Fresh basil leaves add an aromatic burst, while a touch of reserved pasta water ensures the silky sauce clings perfectly to the pasta strands. With its quick preparation and accessibility, this recipe is a weeknight savior that effortlessly balances health and indulgence. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a luxurious finish, or keep it vegan for a clean, plant-based delight. Ideal for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine, this dish is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that bring sun-kissed Italy straight to your home.
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 800 grams ripe tomatoes
- 60 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 20 grams fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Start by preparing the tomatoes. Bring a pot of water to a boil and make a small 'X' incision at the bottom of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes for 30 seconds and transfer them immediately to an ice bath. Peel the tomatoes once cooled.
Step 2
Chop the peeled tomatoes into small cubes, ensuring you also remove the seeds for a smoother sauce consistency. Set aside.
Step 3
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 4
While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 5
Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. Add them to the skillet and sauté until golden but not burned, approximately 1-2 minutes.
Step 6
Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and season with salt and black pepper. Cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes break down into a sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the tomato sauce, stirring gently to combine and let the flavors meld for another 5 minutes.
Step 8
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta with the tomato sauce. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency and help the sauce adhere better.
Step 9
If desired, grate Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the pasta before serving. Serve immediately, garnished with a few extra basil leaves for added freshness.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1349.2g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1479.9 |
| Total Fat 74.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 16.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g | |
| Cholesterol 44.6mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3101.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 161.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.6g | |
| Protein 49.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 10.7IU | 0% |
| Calcium 781.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 10.7mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2265.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories