Welcome to the simplest yet most flavorful spaghetti dish you’ll ever try! With just tomatoes, salt, and olive oil, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness and tanginess of fresh tomatoes, creating a rustic and heartwarming sauce that pairs perfectly with al dente spaghetti. Topped with aromatic basil, this dish is a celebration of the pure essence of tomatoes and the joy of uncomplicated cooking. Let’s get started.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb (450g) spaghetti
2 lbs (900g) ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese for serving

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and salt, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes break down and form a rich, chunky sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked spaghetti in the tomato sauce until it’s evenly coated.
Serve the spaghetti with a generous garnish of fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal fragrance and plenty of cheese.

Notes

Use the freshest and ripest tomatoes you can find to enhance the natural sweetness of the sauce. For a richer flavor, you can add a clove of minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil before adding the tomatoes. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the tomato sauce with an immersion blender before tossing it with the spaghetti. To turn this simple dish into a complete meal, serve it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.