A tasty dish doesn’t need to have an elaborate and complicated recipe. This delicious pasta napolitana recipe from Italy is a proof of that. It’s made with some very basic ingredients which are easily available almost everywhere in the world. But, the final dish that gets created with those ingredients is delicious. If you are looking for a simple and easy meat-free dinner recipe that can be enjoyed with the whole family, spaghetti napolitana is a good option. It’s generally served with some grated parmesan cheese on top, however since parmesan cheese is not vegetarian, vegans and vegetarians may skip adding it. Pasta napolitana tasted equally good without the cheese too.
Ingredient notes and substitute suggestions
Pasta: Spaghetti is the best choice for this recipe but you can make it using any other pasta too. Onion: Preferably brown onion. Italian seasoning blend: If you don’t have the blend, mix different dried Italian seasonings that you like and use that. Some of the Italian seasonings that you can use in this recipe are oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, marjoram, chili flakes, and garlic powder. Canned cherry tomatoes: If you can’t find canned cherry tomatoes, use canned crushed or diced tomatoes. Fresh herb: I have added parsley, you can also add fresh basil. Tomato paste: It adds a rich flavor of tomato to the sauce.
Step 2: Just before straining the pasta, reserve some pasta water. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Step 4: Add minced garlic and cook for a minute i.e. until it’s raw smell goes away. Step 5: Add tomato paste and saute for a minute. Step 6: Add canned cherry tomatoes. Step 7: Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings blend. Step 8: If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water to the sauce. Step 9: Cook the sauce for around 10 minutes. Step 10: Add cooked pasta. Step 11: Gently toss until the pasta sauce evenly coats the noodle strands. Step 12: Garnish with fresh parsley. If you are not a vegan or vegetarian, you may add grated parmesan too. Your delicious simple Italian spaghetti napoletana is ready to be enjoyed.
It also freezes well. You can freeze it for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags.
If the pasta is frozen, make sure to thaw it first before reheating. However, if you don’t have a microwave, transfer the thawed pasta to a cooking pot with a lid. Add a splash of water and tightly cover the pot with a lid. Put on the stovetop and reheat on a low flame for a few minutes i.e. until it’s nicely heated. Do check 2-3 times in between and stir to make sure that the pasta is not sticking to the bottom of the pot. If required add more water.
Frequently asked questions
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