ADVERTISEMENT
## **Instructions**
### **1. Prepare the Spaghetti Sauce:**
1. **Heat the olive oil** in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the **chopped onion** and sauté for about **5-7 minutes** until softened and translucent.
3. Stir in the **minced garlic** and cook for another **1-2 minutes**, until fragrant.
4. Add the **tomato paste**, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for about **2 minutes** to deepen the flavor.
5. Pour in the **crushed tomatoes** (or whole tomatoes, if you prefer to crush them yourself) and add the **oregano**, **basil**, and **sugar** (if using). Stir well.
6. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about **20-30 minutes**, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and become rich in flavor.
7. **Taste** and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce tastes too acidic, you can add a pinch more sugar. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
—
### **2. Cook the Pasta:**
1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of **salted water** to a boil.
2. Add the **spaghetti** and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about **8-10 minutes**.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce if you want to thin it out or help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
—
### **3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:**
1. Add the cooked **spaghetti** directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the noodles evenly.
2. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for another **1-2 minutes**, allowing the flavors to meld.
—
### **4. Serve:**
1. Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of **Parmesan** or **Pecorino Romano** cheese.
2. Optionally, top with some **fresh basil** or **parsley** for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
—
## **Serving Suggestions**
– **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
– **Salad:** A simple green salad with olive oil, vinegar, and a few fresh herbs pairs beautifully with this hearty dish.
– **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers make a great side dish and complement the flavors of the spaghetti.
—
## **Tips for Success**
🌟 **Use Quality Tomatoes:** The tomatoes are the star of this dish, so choose a good-quality brand of canned tomatoes or use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best for Italian dishes.
🌟 **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** To get that perfect bite, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight firmness when bitten into.
🌟 **Simmer the Sauce:** Don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer slowly to bring out all the rich, savory flavors. The longer it cooks, the more intense the flavor will be.
🌟 **Customize It:** You can easily turn this old-school spaghetti into a heartier dish by adding cooked meatballs, sausage, or ground beef to the sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or olives to the sauce.
—
## **Why Old-School Spaghetti Is a Timeless Favorite**
Old-school spaghetti represents the essence of Italian home cooking: fresh ingredients, simple preparation, and delicious results. The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to be amazing. With just a few key components—good pasta, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil—you can create a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.
This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or just a cozy weeknight meal. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up or down, and no matter how you serve it, it always feels like a warm hug on a plate.
—
## **Final Thoughts**
**Old-School Spaghetti** is the kind of meal that brings people together—whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the family or a celebratory gathering with loved ones. It’s a dish that’s been passed down through generations, and for good reason. With its rich tomato sauce, savory garlic, and simple yet hearty pasta, it’s a meal that never fails to satisfy.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and make some classic **Old-School Spaghetti** today. You’ll be transported straight to the heart of Italy with every delicious bite!
Mangia! 🍝🍅🧄
ADVERTISEMENT
