Pasta Neapolitan

Experience the classic flavors of Italian comfort food with this delectable Pasta Neapolitan recipe. Featuring perfectly al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, homemade tomato-based sauce, this dish combines simple yet vibrant ingredients like canned whole tomatoes, garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs such as basil and oregano. The sauce is gently simmered to develop a deep, savory flavor while a hint of sugar balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish, this dish is a timeless favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes and serving up to four, this recipe is sure to be a hit for anyone seeking a comforting, authentic Italian pasta experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium (finely chopped) onion
• 3 large (minced) garlic cloves
• 800 grams canned whole tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon (or to taste) salt
• 0.5 teaspoon (or to taste) ground black pepper
• 50 grams (optional) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (chopped, optional for garnish) fresh parsley
• 4 liters (for boiling pasta) water
• 2 tablespoons (for boiling pasta) salt

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add 2 tablespoons of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.

Step 6

Add the canned whole tomatoes (including their juice), breaking them apart with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Step 8

Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 9

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 10

Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 11

Serve the Pasta Neapolitan hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1649.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1699.6

Total Fat 85.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.8g
Cholesterol 66mg	0%
Sodium 18449.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 182.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.5g	0%
Total Sugars 42.4g
Protein 54.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 940.6mg	0%
Iron 14.1mg	0%
Potassium 2471.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.8%

Protein: 12.7%

Carbs: 42.5%