Pasta Napoletana

This Pasta Napoletana is a delightful dish that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It can be made in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a quick yet satisfying meal. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and basil creates a juicy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pasta Napoletana takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful: The blend of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile: Pair it with your favorite protein or enjoy it as a vegetarian dish; this recipe adapts to your needs.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a delicious pasta dish without fuss.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients and lower in calories, this dish makes for a wholesome meal choice.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools to help you prepare Pasta Napoletana.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and ensuring it cooks perfectly.
• Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like onions and garlic to enhance their flavors.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from cooked pasta without losing any noodles.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8oz (220 grams) spaghetti or bucatini (short pasta is fine too)

For the Sauce

• 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14oz/400 grams) tomatoes (whole, diced or cherry tomatoes)
• ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• 1 handful of basil leaves, chopped or torn

To Serve

• 3 Tbsp grated parmesan

How to Make Pasta Napoletana

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti or bucatini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add the canned tomatoes to the skillet along with salt and black pepper.
2. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

1. Add the drained pasta into the skillet with sauce.
2. Toss gently to combine while adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
3. Serve hot with grated parmesan on top.

Enjoy your flavorful Pasta Napoletana!

How to Serve Pasta Napoletana

Serving Pasta Napoletana is a delightful experience. The simple yet rich flavors of this dish can be enhanced with various accompaniments that elevate the meal.

Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Add extra chopped basil leaves on top for a fresh touch.
• Oregano: A sprinkle of dried oregano can complement the tomato sauce beautifully.

Cheese Options

• Grated Parmesan: Offer extra grated parmesan at the table for those who enjoy a cheesy finish.
• Pecorino Romano: This sharp cheese can add an interesting flavor twist.

Olive Oil Drizzle

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the pasta before serving enhances its richness and flavor.

Accompanying Vegetables

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and taste.
• Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon juice makes for a refreshing side.

How to Perfect Pasta Napoletana

Perfecting your Pasta Napoletana involves attention to detail and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes or high-quality canned tomatoes will greatly enhance the sauce’s flavor.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta just until it’s al dente for the best texture.
• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste; seasonings are key!
• Sauté Garlic Carefully: Be cautious not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as it can develop a bitter taste.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta cooking water; it can help adjust the consistency of your sauce if needed.
• Combine Thoroughly: Mix the pasta and sauce well so every strand is coated with delicious tomato goodness.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta Napoletana

Pairing side dishes with Pasta Napoletana can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
2. Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds freshness and color.
3. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus provides a nice crunch and complements the pasta well.
4. Minestrone Soup: A hearty bowl of minestrone soup warms up the palate before enjoying your main course.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice and vegetables make a satisfying side dish.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer an earthy balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Pasta Napoletana, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skipping salt – Not adding enough salt to your pasta water can result in bland noodles. Always season your pasta water generously.
• Boldly overcooking pasta – Cooking pasta for too long makes it mushy. Check the package instructions and aim for al dente texture.
• Boldly ignoring the sauce – Failing to let your sauce simmer can lead to a lack of flavor. Allow the sauce to cook gently so the ingredients meld together beautifully.
• Boldly using low-quality tomatoes – Cheap canned tomatoes can ruin your dish. Opt for high-quality whole or diced tomatoes for a richer taste.
• Boldly skimping on fresh herbs – Fresh basil adds depth to Pasta Napoletana. Do not substitute dried herbs; use fresh whenever possible.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta Napoletana

• Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pasta Napoletana

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally until hot. Add a splash of water if needed.
• Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a skillet with a bit of olive oil or broth, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Pasta Napoletana that might help you as you prepare this dish.

What is Pasta Napoletana?

Pasta Napoletana is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil, resulting in a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Pasta Napoletana?

You can enhance the flavor by using high-quality tomatoes, adding fresh herbs, or incorporating additional spices such as red pepper flakes.

Can I customize my Pasta Napoletana?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or switch up the cheese choice based on your preference.

What are some side dishes that pair well with Pasta Napoletana?

Salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent companions to this dish, enhancing your dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta Napoletana recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal vegetables for added variety. Give it a try tonight!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pasta Napoletana

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Pasta Napoletana is a delightful Italian dish that transports you straight to the heart of Italy with its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. This classic pasta recipe features a scrumptious tomato basil sauce, perfectly clinging to al dente spaghetti or bucatini. With minimal prep and cooking time—under 30 minutes—it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions when you crave comfort food without the fuss. The harmonious blend of garlic, tomatoes, and basil creates a wholesome meal that’s not only satisfying but also healthy. Enjoy this quick and easy recipe that promises to impress!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8oz (220g) spaghetti or bucatini
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14oz/400g) tomatoes (whole, diced, or cherry)
• ½ tsp fine salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and add spaghetti or bucatini. Cook until al dente as per package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
2. Make the sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
3. Combine: Add canned tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet; let simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in chopped basil.
4. Finish: Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adjusting with reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Serve hot.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 5mg