Do you crave the comforting taste of a classic Italian dish but are short on time or culinary experience? Look no further than this incredibly easy Traditional spaghetti recipe! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be savoring a restaurant-worthy meal in no time. This recipe lives up to its name – it’s perhaps the easiest spaghetti you’ll ever make, yet it bursts with flavor that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
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Table of Contents
Simplicity is Key
The beauty of this recipe lies in its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a streamlined process. Here’s what makes it so approachable:
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples and a couple of fresh elements to create a dish that sings. This eliminates the stress of extensive grocery shopping or hunting down obscure ingredients.
- No Fancy Techniques: Forget about elaborate sauces or complicated cooking methods. This recipe relies on basic cooking principles that anyone can master.
- Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, you’ll be enjoying a steaming plate of spaghetti in under 30 minutes. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal, a delicious lunch option, or a stress-free solution for last-minute guests.
Ingredients that Matter for Traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs
While the recipe’s simplicity is a major draw, the quality of ingredients plays a crucial role in achieving that authentic Italian flavor. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the base of your sauce, so invest in a good quality oil. It adds a subtle peppery flavor and richness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential. Its aroma and pungency add depth to the simple sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes. Look for brands that use San Marzano tomatoes – a prized variety known for their sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that is quintessential Italian. Tear or chop the basil just before serving for the most vibrant flavor.
- High-Quality Pasta: Although the sauce might seem simple, it deserves to be paired with good-quality pasta. Look for durum wheat pasta from a reputable brand. It will cook perfectly al dente and hold its shape well.
Building Flavor with Simplicity for Traditional Spaghetti
This recipe might be easy, but it doesn’t compromise on flavor. Here’s how it achieves that deliciousness:
- The Power of Olive Oil: Infused with garlic, the olive oil base forms a foundation of rich, savory goodness.
- Tomato Magic: Crushed tomatoes simmered with a touch of salt and pepper create a simple yet flavorful sauce.
- The Magic of Freshness: Fresh basil adds a burst of life to the dish, elevating the tomato base and creating a truly authentic Italian experience.
- The Pasta Connection: Good quality pasta cooked to al dente perfection offers the perfect vessel to carry the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success Traditional Spaghetti
To ensure your quick and easy spaghetti lives up to its name, here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Once the garlic starts to brown, it becomes bitter. Aim for a light golden color for the best flavor.
- Season the Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water adds flavor to the pasta itself, not just the sauce clinging to it.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t drain all the pasta water! Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Fresh is Best: While dried basil can be used in a pinch, fresh basil adds a vibrancy that simply can’t be replicated.
The Final Touch
Once you’ve combined the perfectly cooked pasta with the flavorful sauce, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the finishing touch. You can also garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an extra burst of flavor.
More Than Just Easy
This recipe is more than just a quick and easy solution. It’s a gateway to exploring the world of Italian cuisine. Feel free to customize it by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or incorporating other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley. You can even experiment with different vegetables like sauteed spinach or chopped mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
So, the next time you crave a taste of Italy without the fuss, give this easy spaghetti recipe a try. With its simplicity, fresh ingredients, and delicious flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your home kitchen.
Traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 Pound of Beef Ground
- ¾ Cup of Bread Sliced Into Small Cubes
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Minced
- 1 Onion Small in Size, Minced
- 1 tablespoon of Tomato Paste Fresh
- 3 Cups of Tomato Puree Fresh
- 1 Cup of Chicken Stock Low Sodium
- 3 Basil Leaves Fresh
- 1 teaspoon of Oregano
- 1 teaspoon of Salt for Taste
- 1 teaspoon of Black Pepper for Taste
- ½ Package of Spaghetti Noodles Your Favorite Brand
Instructions
- Place a large pot of salted water to boil. Add ½ Package of Spaghetti Noodles to boiling water approximately 10 minutes before serving dish, cook according to package instructions.½ Package of Spaghetti Noodles
- Then combine 1 Pound of Beef, bread, garlic, 1 Onion, 1 tablespoon of Tomato Paste paste, oregano, salt, black pepper in bowl. Using hands, shape 1” meatballs.1 Pound of Beef, 1 teaspoon of Garlic, 3 Cups of Tomato Puree
- Heat up your olive oil in Cast Iron Skillet. Place meatballs in large cast iron skillet, and cook for seven minutes. Ensure all sides are browned and cooked.
