Old-school spaghetti is a classic, comforting dish that’s all about simplicity and hearty flavors. It features a rich, tomato-based sauce with just the right seasonings, paired with perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s a traditional recipe for old-school spaghetti that you can make from scratch!
Old-School Spaghetti Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, crushed by hand)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 2 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- ½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
For the Spaghetti:
- 1 lb (16 oz) spaghetti pasta
- Salt (for the pasta water)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and slightly golden.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and sugar (if using). Mix everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Add the dried basil, oregano, parsley, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
- (Optional) Add red wine for a deeper flavor, and finish with a tablespoon of butter to round out the richness of the sauce. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Cook the spaghetti:
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Once the sauce is ready, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce and toss until well coated. If the sauce needs a bit more moisture, you can add more pasta water a little at a time.
- Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Simmer for flavor: The longer you let the sauce simmer, the more flavorful it will become. You can let it cook for up to 2 hours if you have time!
- Make it meaty: If you prefer a meaty sauce, brown some ground beef, pork, or Italian sausage in the pan before adding the onions and garlic.
- Customizations: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Storage: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer storage.
This Old-School Spaghetti is the kind of dish that takes you back to the basics with simple ingredients and comforting flavors. Enjoy every bite of this classic!