Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti in Tomato Sauce

35 min
Savour the heart of Italian cooking with our easy spaghetti in tomato sauce. This beloved dish pairs cooked spaghetti with a rich tomato sauce made with carrots and onions. Garnished with a generous sprinkle of cheddar, Maasdam cheese, and fresh parsley, this comforting dish is sure to earn a spot among your go-to recipes.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/spaghetti-in-tomato-sauce/

Instructions

Tomato sauce
  • Melt butter in a pan over high heat but without browning.
  • Sauté carrots, onion, and garlic for about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, parsley, and spices.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil and let it cook over low heat with a lid for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the lid from the pot and continue cooking the sauce for about 15 minutes. Season to taste.
Spaghetti
  • Meanwhile, cook the dried spaghetti according to the instructions on the packaging.
Garnish
  • Put cheese and parsley in small separate bowls.
  • Pour the drained, hot spaghetti into the pan with the tomato sauce. Turn carefully so that it is well-mixed.
  • Pour the spaghetti dish into a warm bowl and serve immediately, sprinkled with cheese and parsley.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about spaghetti in tomato sauce

Spaghetti in tomato sauce is a classic that always hits the spot. We answer the most asked questions about this timeless dish.

Can I prepare tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce in advance. If you plan to use it soon, keep it chilled in the fridge for up to 2–3 days in a sealed container. For longer storage, freeze the sauce. Let it cool, then put it into freezer-safe containers with some space to expand. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.
How should I store leftover spaghetti in tomato sauce?
Cool your leftover spaghetti in tomato sauce to room temperature. Then, seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days.

Ingredients

20 g
Carrots, coarsely grated (about 200 g)
4
Onions, coarsely grated (about 100 g)
2
Small garlic clove, crushed
1
Chopped tomatoes (about 800 g)
2 cans
Broad-leaf parsley, chopped
2 tbsp
Sugar
1½ tsp
Coarse salt
1 tsp
Freshly ground pepper
Spaghetti
Dried pasta, for example, spaghetti
400 g
Garnish
Cheddar and Maasdam cheese, grated
150 g
Broad-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
200 ml

Tips: Perfecting spaghetti in tomato sauce

Learn how to perfect your spaghetti in tomato sauce with our helpful tips.

Al dente Pasta

Make sure the pasta is al dente before combining it with the tomato sauce. It should be tender but still have a slight firmness when bitten. To achieve this, follow the cooking time recommended on the pasta package, but start checking a minute or two earlier. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly after it is drained and mixed with the hot tomato sauce, so it is better to undercook it slightly.

Reserve pasta water

Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the consistency of your tomato sauce. When you mix the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water helps the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti. The starch in the water acts as a natural thickener, ensuring the sauce clings to every strand of pasta.

Try our scrumptious spaghetti in tomato sauce

Indulge in the timeless charm of spaghetti in tomato sauce. Our easy recipe promises a rich, fresh taste that adults appreciate and kids absolutely adore, thanks to its comforting flavours. Why not surprise your family tonight with a beautiful serving of tomato spaghetti? In just about 30 minutes, you can prepare a simple meal with the scrumptious tastes of carrots, onion, cheese, and tomatoes.

Homemade tomato sauce with carrots and onions

At the heart of this dish is a homemade tomato sauce that pulsates with fresh, sweet, and savoury flavours from onions, garlic, and carrots. Do not underestimate the power of these basics. When sautéed together, the carrots, onions, and garlic caramelise and release their natural sugars and robust flavours, infusing the sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and savoury depth. This combination enhances the tangy essence of the tomatoes, showcasing why we so adore tomato sauce. For a final touch, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a refreshing flavour.

If you love spaghetti and are on the lookout for more great recipes, we have a few great ones in store for you. Try the classic spaghetti aglio e olio or the delicious spaghetti puttanesca.

A timeless classic for the whole family

Spaghetti in tomato sauce has been a go-to meal for generations because of its simplicity and versatility. It is a timeless classic that has gathered family members around the dinner table for delicious and cosy evenings. As a meal for festive gatherings or a quick-fix solution on busy days, this dish is made to satisfy you and your loved ones.

What goes well with spaghetti in tomato sauce?

Choosing the right sides to go with the spaghetti in tomato sauce can turn a simple pasta meal into a sophisticated event. To make the dish even more enjoyable, serve it with sides that match its rich taste. A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the tomato sauce. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia makes for a delectable side, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce.

Get creative with the recipe

We have a few pointers for personalising the dish to your liking. Season well with dried oregano and sweet paprika, and for a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. You can also infuse the sauce with aromatic herbs like oregano or thyme.

Try incorporating diced peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the sauce for added texture and flavour. If you sauté them before adding them to the sauce, they will release their natural sugars and imbue the dish with a more pronounced flavour.