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If you are craving a dish that perfectly captures the heart of Italian home cooking, the Pasta Napoletana Recipe is your new best friend. This vibrant pasta celebrates simplicity with every bite, combining ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and perfectly cooked pasta into a harmonious dish full of fresh, comforting flavors that feel like a warm Mediterranean hug. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe delivers a taste of Naples right in your kitchen, making it an essential staple for any pasta lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is a joy because each one plays a vital role in crafting the delicious, authentic taste and appealing presentation of this classic Pasta Napoletana Recipe. From the firm bite of spaghetti to the bright burst of fresh basil, every component contributes texture, aroma, and depth that make this dish shine.
- 8oz (220 grams) spaghetti or bucatini: Choose your favorite pasta shape; shorter varieties work splendidly too, giving a lovely bite and holding the sauce beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil: This adds that essential silky base and rich fruity depth that carries all the flavors together.
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped: Slowly softened onions bring sweetness and body to the sauce, building complexity without overpowering.
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with a warm, inviting aroma that makes every forkful irresistible.
- 1 can (14oz/400 grams) tomatoes: Whether whole, diced, or cherry, tomatoes are the star that creates the vibrant, tangy sauce foundation.
- ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste: Salt is the secret hero, balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- â…› tsp black pepper: Just a touch of pepper adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice to the mix.
- 1 handful of basil leaves, chopped or torn: Fresh basil delivers a fragrant, bright finish that lifts the entire dish.
- 3 Tbsp grated parmesan, to serve: A generous sprinkle of parmesan adds a nutty, savory contrast that rounds out every serving perfectly.
How to Make Pasta Napoletana Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Timing is key here — aim to add your pasta about five minutes after you begin the sauce, so everything finishes around the same time. This step ensures your pasta is al dente, providing the perfect texture to complement the silky sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
In a large pan, warm the olive oil until it shimmers gently. Add your finely chopped onion and cook over medium heat until it softens into a translucent golden hue. This transformation takes about 5 to 6 minutes and is essential for building a rich, flavorful base that is both sweet and savory.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Once the onions are softened, toss in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, but careful not to let it brown. Then pour in your tomatoes—whether you opt for whole, diced, or cherry tomatoes—and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken lovingly.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Season your sauce with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir in a generous handful of chopped basil leaves, infusing the sauce with bright herbal notes that brighten every bite. Let the sauce cook down for a few minutes until it reaches the perfect consistency, rich and inviting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta just shy of fully cooked, then add it to the pan with your Napoletana sauce. Toss everything together, letting the pasta soak up the saucy goodness. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil for extra shine and flavor.
How to Serve Pasta Napoletana Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of Pasta Napoletana Recipe shines through elegant simplicity in garnishes. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan melts into the warm pasta, creating a savory layer of indulgence. Add a few whole basil leaves on top for an eye-catching, fragrant finish. A little extra olive oil drizzled just before serving adds a silky texture that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
Pair this classic with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. For heartier meals, a side of garlic toasted bread complements the tomato sauce perfectly, giving you a little crunch to balance the tender pasta. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter also make wonderful companions for this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on presentation, serve Pasta Napoletana Recipe family-style in a large rustic bowl, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the joy. Alternatively, twirl individual portions into neat nests on each plate for an elegant touch that looks like it belongs in a cozy Italian trattoria. Garnish with edible flowers or finely chopped herbs to add bursts of color that make your table come alive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pasta Napoletana Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making reheated portions even tastier. Just be sure to separate any garnishes like fresh basil or parmesan before storing to keep them fresh.
Freezing
This pasta doesn’t freeze as well as some dishes because fresh basil and delicate textures can dull, but if needed, place cooled pasta with sauce in a freezer-safe container. Use within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
For reheating, warm your Pasta Napoletana Recipe gently over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s luscious texture. Avoid microwave overheating, which can dry out the pasta and dull the vibrant flavors. A careful stir during warming preserves that just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Pasta Napoletana Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh ripe tomatoes work beautifully, especially in season. Blanch, peel, and chop them to replace the canned tomatoes for a fresher take with slightly different texture and brightness.
Is there a recommended pasta type for this recipe?
Spaghetti or bucatini are traditional choices because their long shapes hold the sauce wonderfully. Shorter pastas like penne or rigatoni work just as well too, giving a different texture experience but equal deliciousness.
How can I make this dish vegan friendly?
Simply skip the parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. The sauce is naturally plant-based and bursting with flavor, so it will still be satisfying and authentic.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the fridge. Just reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the ideal texture and flavor.
What wine pairs best with Pasta Napoletana Recipe?
A light to medium-bodied red like Chianti or a fresh Italian white such as Pinot Grigio complements the tomato sauce and basil beautifully, enhancing the meal with a perfectly balanced sip.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Pasta Napoletana Recipe that keeps calling you back for more — it’s the perfect harmony of simple ingredients creating soulful flavors. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience that warm feeling of Italy in every forkful. Once you do, it will surely become one of your favorites to make and share around the table.
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Pasta Napoletana Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A quick and classic Pasta Napoletana recipe featuring a simple yet flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and fresh basil, served with your choice of spaghetti or bucatini and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (220 grams) spaghetti or bucatini (short pasta is fine too)
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 (14 oz / 400 grams) tomatoes (whole, diced, or cherry tomatoes)
- ½ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- â…› tsp black pepper
- 1 handful of basil leaves, chopped or torn
- 3 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. About 5 minutes into preparing your sauce, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Make the Napoletana Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes and Season: Pour in the canned tomatoes (including juices) and break them up with a spoon if whole. Season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Basil: Stir in the chopped or torn basil leaves and cook for another minute to infuse the sauce with fresh herb aroma.
- Combine and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water. Toss the pasta with the Napoletana sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil for added richness and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the pan.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil in a pinch, though fresh is preferable.
- This recipe is adaptable—feel free to add chili flakes for a spicy kick or olives for extra depth.
