Description
Spaghetti is more than a meal—it’s a connection to family traditions, regional flair, and culinary creativity. This recipe blends Southern roots with Italian comfort, delivering a bold, layered spaghetti experience perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Spaghetti noodles (whole wheat or gluten-free if needed)
Olive oil (extra virgin)
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Onion (1 medium, diced)
Tomato paste (2 tbsp)
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz, San Marzano preferred)
Fresh basil and oregano (or dried as substitute)
Parmesan cheese (grated fresh)
Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes, ground beef or Italian sausage, anchovy or mushroom powder, miso paste
Instructions
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook until darkened.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and sprinkle with oregano. Let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
5. Cook spaghetti until just shy of al dente (about 9 minutes).
6. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh basil.
7. Combine drained pasta with sauce and splash of pasta water. Simmer for 2 more minutes.
8. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
Layer flavors with aromatics and umami-boosters like anchovy or tomato paste.
Use reserved pasta water to help sauce cling better to noodles.
Finish with fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Adapt with seasonal veggies or try global fusions like kimchi cream or Tex-Mex carbonara.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: spaghetti, southern, comfort food, tomato sauce, vegetarian option