This easy spaghetti napolitana is perfect for busy weeknights. Made with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it’s packed with flavour and ready in just 30 minutes. Using basic ingredients, this simple pasta dish is a classic Italian favourite your whole family will love.
You'll also love my creamy tomato pasta, easy pasta amatriciana, pasta puttanesca, and creamy sun-dried tomato pasta.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Flavourful Sauce: The combination of tomato paste and tinned cherry tomatoes creates a rich, flavorful base.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and onion.
- Quick Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customisable Heat: Crushed chilli flakes add a customisable level of spice.
- Fresh Toppings: Fresh basil and Parmesan add a burst of freshness and umami.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Olive oil: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the vegetables.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic qualities.
- Cherry tomatoes: Offer a sweet and tangy base for the sauce.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Crushed chili flakes: Adds a hint of heat and spice.
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice for this dish.
- Fresh basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides a savoury, umami finish.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
30 Minute Spaghetti Napolitana recipe step-by-step
- Cook the Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, saving a cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a heavy, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, about 5 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 5 minutes. Season with a generous pinch of sea salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste with the onions and garlic, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in the tinned cherry tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and the flavours meld. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the crushed chilli flakes and some chopped basil.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti into bowls and serve with shaved Parmesan cheese and extra chopped basil.
📖 Variations
- Pasta Variations: Substitute spaghetti with penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of tinned cherry tomatoes for a fresher taste.
- Herbs: Add other herbs like oregano or thyme for additional flavour.
- Protein Addition: Include grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Vegetable Addition: Mix in sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Herb Infusion: Add a sprig of basil while the sauce simmers for extra flavour, removing before serving.
- Consistent Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer longer; if too thick, add pasta water gradually.
- Sweetness Balance: If the tomatoes are too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours.
- Pasta Drying: After cooking, let the pasta dry for a minute or two before adding it to the sauce to help it absorb the sauce better.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled pasta Napolitana in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
❓Recipe FAQ's
Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to the sauce for a creamier texture.
Yes, you can use zucchini noodles (zoodles), spaghetti squash, or any other type of vegetable noodles as low-carb alternatives.
Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil if you’re not combining it with the sauce immediately. This prevents it from sticking together.
Looking for other easy pasta recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy 30 Minute Spaghetti Napolitana
Ingredients
- 30 ml (2 tablespoon) olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400 g (14 oz) tin cherry tomatoes, see notes
- 30 g (2 tablespoon) tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed chili flakes
- 500 g (1 lb) spaghetti
For Serving:
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Parmesan cheese, shaved
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, saving a cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a heavy, high-sided skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 5 minutes. Season with a pinch of sea salt.
Combine Ingredients:
- Mix in the tomato paste with the onions and garlic, stirring for 1 minute.
- Pour in the tinned cherry tomatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency and the flavors meld. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the crushed chili flakes and some chopped basil.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Serve:
- Divide the spaghetti into bowls and serve with shaved Parmesan cheese and extra chopped basil.
Notes
- You can substitute the cherry tomatoes with chopped tomatoes if preferred.
- Make a batch of this sauce to keep in the freezer for quick and easy meals on busy weeknights.
Nutrition
Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
Kathryn
Absolutely loved this recipe. It was so easy and quick but full of flavour! Thanks for a great recipe!