Neapolitan Pasta

Neapolitan Pasta is a classic Italian dish that brings the flavors of Naples into your home kitchen. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe, focusing on fresh ingredients and traditional techniques. With a few basic components, you can create a hearty meal that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. This dish often consists of pasta intertwined with an aromatic tomato sauce, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Why Make This Recipe

You might be wondering why Neapolitan Pasta should be your next cooking adventure. First, it is a straightforward recipe that requires minimal cooking skills. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, thanks to the tomatoes and basil, making it a delightful option for family meals or gatherings with friends.

Moreover, making this dish allows you to experience a piece of Italian culture right in your kitchen. It’s satisfying to create a classic dish that has been enjoyed by many throughout the ages. Also, it’s a flexible recipe, enabling you to add or substitute ingredients according to what you have on hand. Finally, Neapolitan Pasta is budget-friendly, as it utilizes simple and affordable ingredients.

How to Make Neapolitan Pasta

Making Neapolitan Pasta involves preparing the sauce and cooking the pasta. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal.

Ingredients:

• 8oz (220 grams) spaghetti or bucatini (short pasta is fine too)
• 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
• 3 Tbsp grated parmesan, to serve

Directions:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti or bucatini. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

3. Add Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the onions in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic releases its aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.

4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon if necessary. Add the fine salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors meld together.

5. Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped or torn basil leaves. This will add a fresh, aromatic quality to your sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

6. Combine with Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water (about half a cup), then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Serve: Plate the pasta, drizzling with a little extra olive oil if desired. Top each serving with grated parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Neapolitan Pasta

Neapolitan Pasta is best served immediately. Present it in warm bowls and encourage everyone to dig in. You can add more grated Parmesan on top for those who enjoy a cheesy flavor. Adding a sprinkle of extra black pepper or freshly torn basil can also enhance the dish. Pair it with a fresh salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Neapolitan Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within 2-3 days for optimal flavor and freshness. Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make Neapolitan Pasta

1. Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality tomatoes you can find. San Marzano tomatoes are a popular choice for their rich flavor.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on your pasta while it cooks to avoid mushiness. Al dente is the best texture for this dish.

3. Experiment with Herbs: While basil is traditional, feel free to add other herbs like oregano or parsley to suit your taste.

4. Adjust the Sauce: If you like a spicier sauce, consider adding red pepper flakes. For a sweeter sauce, a teaspoon of sugar can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

5. Make it Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

Variation

You can easily modify this recipe to make it your own. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetable Add-Ins: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrients and texture.
• Protein Options: For those who desire meat in their pasta, consider adding ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook the meat first, then add the onions and continue with the recipe.
• Seafood Option: Adding shrimp or scallops to the dish can create a delightful seafood version, perfect for a special occasion.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any kind of pasta you prefer. While spaghetti and bucatini work beautifully, short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also be used.

2. What should I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can use dried basil as an alternative. Generally, 1 teaspoon of dried herbs can replace 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove before mixing with freshly cooked pasta.

4. Is Neapolitan Pasta a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep since it keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

5. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. There are many alternatives available that maintain a similar texture and flavor.

By following these simple steps and tips, you can recreate authentic Neapolitan Pasta right in your kitchen. Enjoy the process, and savor the results!

Neapolitan Pasta

Print Recipe

A classic Italian dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Naples into your home, featuring delicious pasta intertwined with an aromatic tomato sauce.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8oz (220 grams) spaghetti or bucatini
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
• 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
• 3 Tbsp grated parmesan, to serve

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti or bucatini. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the onions in the skillet. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly until the garlic releases its aroma.
4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon if necessary. Add the salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, thickening the sauce.
5. Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped or torn basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Combine with Pasta: Once cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss together.
7. Serve: Plate the pasta, drizzling with additional olive oil if desired, and top each serving with grated parmesan cheese.

Notes

This dish is best served immediately and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pasta, Italian, Neapolitan, comfort food, vegetarian