Spaghetti Napolitana Easy Sunday Sauce
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Ready for a Taste of Italy?
Fancy some comfort food? This spaghetti napolitana recipe is the one. Honestly, it's so simple yet so satisfying. It has a sweet, tangy tomato flavor that's just unbeatable.
Reminds me of my trips to Italy, proper!
Brief Overview: A Classic Italian Hug
Spaghetti Napolitana , or alla napolitana , comes from Naples. This dish showcases a beautiful, simple Italian tomato sauce for pasta.
It's easy, ready in about 40 minutes, and serves four hungry souls. Perfect for a quick dinner! Think of it as a simpler cousin to the Pasta Alla Puttanesca .
Main Benefits: Healthy & Hearty
Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants! This authentic spaghetti napolitana recipe is a healthy and tasty meal. Serve it on a cozy night in or impress your mates at a potluck.
What makes this classic Neapolitan tomato sauce so special? It’s the fresh, simple flavors that shine. You know? Just like the Spaghetti Napolitana Recipe Easy tutorials we have!
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. I always get asked where I find the best tomatoes for my Puttanesca Sauce Recipe . I’ll let you in on a secret: the tinned ones are sometimes better than fresh! Especially out of season.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Spaghetti Napolitana
Alright, let's talk about what you need to make some seriously good Spaghetti Napolitana . We're not talking fancy pants stuff here.
Just the basics. Think of it as a classic Neapolitan tomato sauce simple, honest, and damn tasty. Honestly, getting these ingredients right makes all the difference.
This isn't Pasta Alla Puttanesca , we are using a light tomato based sauce!.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real
- 1 pound (450g) Spaghetti. Use good quality pasta. The cheap stuff gets mushy, you know?
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil. Extra virgin is best. It adds a nice flavor.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is a must. Don't even think about garlic powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional). For a little zing!
- 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can Crushed Tomatoes. San Marzano if you can swing it.
- 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can Tomato Sauce. This adds body to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano. It gives that Italian vibe.
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil. Pairs perfectly with oregano.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped. For garnish. Fresh herbs make everything better.
- 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar. Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Salt and Black Pepper. To taste. Season generously!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese. To serve. Because cheese is life.
Seasoning Notes: The Flavor Bomb
Essential spice combos? Oregano and basil, baby! That's the heart of Italian tomato sauce for pasta . A little sugar balances the tomato acidity.
Red pepper flakes add a kick. You can even add a bay leaf while simmering for extra depth. Got no fresh basil? More dried will do, but go easy! This is a really Simple Pasta Sauce Recipe .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
All you really need are these tools. A big pot for pasta. A skillet for the sauce. A colander to drain the pasta.
A knife and cutting board. I use a garlic press, but you don't have to. I always have a bit of a tricky time with my garlic press, so I've learned how to mince it super finely with my knife.
A large spoon makes everything way easier!
If you're looking for a really Authentic Spaghetti Napolitana , make sure you get the equipment right, and look up Spaghetti Napolitana Recipe Easy so you aren't overwhelmed.
Honestly, this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is foolproof. Give it a go! Spaghetti Napolitana with fresh tomatoes is so good.
If you follow this Puttanesca Sauce Recipe you will be on your way to being a pro!. This recipe is a game changer.
You'll want to make it every week.
Cooking Method: Level Up Your Spaghetti Napolitana Game
Alright, let's dive into making a truly great Spaghetti Napolitana . This isn't just any tomato sauce. It's a blank canvas. It can be easily be your secret weapon for weeknight dinners.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Friend
First things first: mise en place , baby! Get all your ingredients prepped and measured. Chop your 3 cloves of garlic, get that can of crushed tomatoes ready.
Measure out your oregano and basil. Honestly, this small step makes all the difference. Saves you from that "Oh my gosh! I'm missing something" moment mid-cooking.
Speaking of saving time, mince all the garlic at once. Then you’re set! Safety wise, mind your fingers when chopping. You know? The usual.
step-by-step: The Napolitana Dance
- Get a big pot of salted water boiling. Chuck in your 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti. Cook until al dente . Don't forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!
- While the pasta's doing its thing, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Gently sauté your minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for like, 30 seconds. Don't burn it!
- Pour in your 28 ounce (800g) can of crushed tomatoes and 15 ounce (425g) can of tomato sauce. Then add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Then turn the heat down low. Cover it. Let it bubble away for at least 20 minutes . Longer is better, honestly. The flavors get all happy together.
- Finally, toss the cooked spaghetti with your glorious Classic Neapolitan Tomato Sauce . If it's too thick, add a splash of that saved pasta water.
Pro Tips: Secret Sauce Intel
Here's a pro tip: A little sugar balances the acidity. But don't overdo it! Taste as you go. Seriously. Another gem? Pasta water. That's the secret to a silky sauce.
Don't be tempted to rush the simmering process. Good sauce takes time. make-ahead? Absolutely! This sauce gets even better the next day.
Speaking of variations you can try something like Pasta Alla Puttanesca to switch things up.
Well, there you have it. It is really Authentic Spaghetti Napolitana recipe. So easy to do on any day of the week. Now, go forth and conquer that Simple Pasta Sauce Recipe!
Recipe Notes for Your Best Spaghetti Napolitana
So, you're ready to whip up some proper Spaghetti Napolitana ? Ace! Let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make it even better.
Honestly, this simple pasta sauce recipe is dead easy but the small things make the difference. Like, my Nan used to say, it’s the love you put in it, innit.
Ace Presentation: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Right, presentation time! We’re not aiming for Michelin star, but a little effort goes a long way. Swirl your Spaghetti Napolitana with Fresh Tomatoes in a bowl.
Top with a generous handful of fresh basil. Grated Parmesan, obvs! If you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Serve it like Puttanesca Recipe without the ingredients with olives and capers.
For sides? Garlic bread is a no-brainer. Honestly, who can resist? A simple green salad works too. A glass of red wine? Bang on!
Storing Your Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This homemade spaghetti sauce recipe tastes even better the next day. Once it’s cooled down, bung it in an airtight container.
Stick it in the fridge. Should be good for 3-4 days. Freezing is also an option. Pop it in a freezer bag, flatten it out, and it'll last for ages.
Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave. Just add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
Get Creative: Variations on Classic Neapolitan Tomato Sauce
Fancy mixing things up? Course you do! A classic Puttanesca Sauce Recipe can change the Spaghetti Napolitana completely. For a veggie boost, chuck in some roasted veggies like courgette or peppers.
Spicy spaghetti napolitana recipe easy ? Add extra chilli flakes!
Got dietary needs? Swap the normal spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. Or use a low-carb alternative like courgetti. Easy peasy! For a Pasta Alla Puttanesca inspired twist, add some olives.
Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Nutrition Basics
Let’s keep this simple. This is a good source of carbs for energy. Tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Everything in moderation though, yeah? You know? It's about finding balance.
So there you have it! A few extra tips to take your Authentic Spaghetti Napolitana to the next level. Now go get cooking! And don't be afraid to experiment! Let me know how it goes.
I'm buzzing to hear all about it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Spaghetti Napolitana? Is it just fancy tomato sauce?
Think of Spaghetti Napolitana as the ultimate comfort food a classic Italian tomato sauce that's simple but incredibly flavorful. It's way more than just "fancy tomato sauce"! It's a celebration of fresh ingredients and careful simmering, like your Nonna would make (even if you don't have a Nonna!).
Can I add meat to my Spaghetti Napolitana? I need some protein, mate!
Absolutely! While traditionally vegetarian, Spaghetti Napolitana is a great base for other flavors. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or even meatballs are classic additions. Just brown your meat of choice before adding it to the sauce and simmer as usual. It's your kitchen, innit? Do what makes you happy!
How long can I store leftover Spaghetti Napolitana, and does it freeze well?
Cooked Spaghetti Napolitana can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. And yes, it freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer safe container or bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
I'm watching my sodium intake. Is there anything I can do to reduce the sodium in this Spaghetti Napolitana recipe?
Definitely! You can use low-sodium canned tomatoes and tomato sauce. Also, taste the sauce before adding any additional salt. You might find that the natural flavors of the tomatoes and herbs are enough. Fresh herbs instead of dried also pack a flavour punch so you can add a little less salt.
It's all about striking the right balance, a bit like trying to find a decent cup of tea abroad!
My Spaghetti Napolitana sauce is too acidic! What can I do to mellow it out?
A little acidity is normal with tomatoes, but if it's overpowering, there are a few tricks. First, make sure you've added a pinch of sugar as the recipe suggests that often does the trick. If not, a tiny pinch of baking soda (just a tiny one!) can help neutralize the acidity.
Be careful not to add too much, though, or it can affect the flavor! You can also simmer the sauce longer, which will help mellow out the acidity.
Can I make Spaghetti Napolitana without canned tomatoes? What's the best alternative?
You absolutely can! Fresh tomatoes are a fantastic alternative. Use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. You'll need to simmer the sauce for longer, probably closer to an hour or more, to allow the tomatoes to break down and thicken.
Passata (sieved tomatoes) is another great option for a smoother sauce, saving you the peeling step. It is a bit like deciding between a full English and a continental breakfast, both tomato based, but totally different
Spaghetti Napolitana Easy Sunday Sauce
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 5g |
