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–+ servings
Spaghetti al pomodoro fresco recipe.

Spaghetti al Pomodoro Fresco

Mari Avalos
This classic Italian dish is the perfect example of simplicity and flavor, made with fresh, ripe tomatoes, a touch of garlic, and basil, all tossed with al dente spaghetti. It’s a vibrant, light, and aromatic dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients.
2 servings
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Prep 5 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 20 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 6 oz spaghetti pasta
  • 3 medium fresh tomatoes (about 1 pound)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • fresh basil (as much as you want)
  • 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, wash and cut the tomatoes into small chunks. Lightly crush the garlic with the side of a knife.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about a minute, until golden and fragrant.
  • Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, then season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the tomatoes soften and form a rustic sauce. Add a bit of the pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
  • Remove the garlic clove, then tear some fresh basil leaves with your hands and add them to the pan. Stir and lower the heat to the minimum.
  • Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the cooking water. Then, drain the spaghetti about 30 seconds before it reaches your preferred doneness.
  • Add the spaghetti to the pan with the sauce, stirring to coat. Let it finish cooking in the sauce for about 30 seconds. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
  • Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and more fresh basil on top.

Tips & Notes

  • Fresh basil is the heart of this dish—tear the leaves by hand to keep the flavor fresh and avoid bruising.
  • If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to chop it and add it to the sauce.
  • Let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce for a minute so it absorbs all that fresh tomato and basil flavor.
  • Use a large pan to easily stir and mix the pasta without splashing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 599kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 13gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 21gSodium: 1178mgPotassium: 641mgFiber: 5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1664IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 2mg