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Easy Spaghetti al Pomodoro with Fresh Tomatoes is a simple pasta dish with the most basic ingredients. It will transport you back to Italy.
The first time I had Spaghetti al Pomodoro was in Manarola, located in the Cinque Terre region of Italy.
It was such a simple dish yet bursting in flavor – easily one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had!
At that moment, I told myself that when I returned home, I’d recreate this pasta. That was 7 years ago. Better late than never, right?
Here is Spaghetti al Pomodoro made with fresh tomatoes and garlic sauteed in lots of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Of course, I added a healthy twist and used whole-wheat spaghetti instead of white pasta, and it still tastes fantastic.
Top off the pasta with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano (the real thing). I promise you that this dish will transport you back to Italy.
Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment & rate this recipe. That would mean so much to me. If you’re on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your creations. I’m happy to share and mention you. Thank you!
Spaghetti al Pomodoro
INGREDIENTS
- pot of boiling water
- 1 pound organic whole wheat spaghetti
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 fresh basil strands, for cooking
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes, sliced in thirds (about 5 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup of strachy pasta water
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 20 leaves fresh basil, julienne
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by heating a pot of water.
- You'll need 2 pints of tomatoes.
- Slice the tomatoes in thirds, my cherry tomatoes were slightly bigger.
- That's a lot of tomatoes.
- Now chop the garlic and you'll need 2 strands of fresh basil.
- Heat a skillet with extra virgin olive oil.
- Once hot, add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook for less than a minute.
- Now add the 2 strands of basil. Stir for a few seconds.
- Add all the cherry tomatoes.
- Stir. Cook the tomatoes down for about 10 minutes.
- Season the water with salt and add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Follow the instructions on the package and cook the pasta until al dente.
- In the meantime, grate the Parmigiano Reggiano and julienne the fresh basil leaves.
- Check on the pasta, should be done. Make sure you reserve some pasta water for later.
- Check on the sauce, Remove the 2 strands of basil.
- Add the spaghetti.
- Add 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water. Toss.
- Add Parmigiano Reggiano. Toss.
- Add fresh basil. Serve immediately.
