Spaghetti Three Ways

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A quick and versatile tomato-based pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners
Spaghetti Three Ways recipe image

Spaghetti Three Ways

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 74.5

Description

This simple spaghetti dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking with a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce. The key ingredients include whole canned tomatoes, aromatic garlic, onions, and a blend of dried herbs like oregano and thyme. The flavor profile is bright, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, with a texture that balances tender al dente pasta against a smooth, chunky sauce. It is an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings where comfort food is king. Easy to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that feels homemade without the fuss. Serve it as a standalone main or pair with a simple green salad for a complete, wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package directions.
  3. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onions and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and thyme, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the whole tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon, and simmer for 5 minutes.
  8. Stir in the sugar, salt, and ground pepper to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
  9. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce.
  10. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
  11. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 74.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 2.8g5%
Saturated Fat 0.4g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 8.0mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 12.0g4%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
Sugars 6.4g
Protein 1.8g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a smoother sauce, you can crush the tomatoes by hand or blend them briefly before adding to the skillet.

If you prefer a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to restore creaminess.

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the skillet when cooking the onions for added nutrition and color.

Keywords: spaghetti, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, olive oil, pasta, mediterranean, vegan, quick dinner, italian, home cooking, al dente, comfort food
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