Spaghetti with sun-dried tomato sauce

Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Recipe: A Quick and Tasty Classic

Looking for a simple and delicious option for a family meal or an impromptu dinner? The spaghetti with sun-dried tomato sauce recipe combines the precision of fresh ingredients with the concentrated intensity of dried tomatoes. This dish, prepared with accessible ingredients and in a few steps, allows you to enjoy an authentic Italian flavor at any time of day, without the need for complex ingredients or sophisticated techniques. The versatility of this preparation adapts perfectly to those who want to eat well in minutes, without sacrificing flavor or texture. This recipe highlights intense flavors and Mediterranean aromas, ideal for those who appreciate good pasta with a special, homemade touch. The key is to take advantage of the quality of sun-dried tomatoes, in their best form to enhance a creamy sauce, full of character and perfect to accompany excellent quality spaghetti, such as those offered by brands like La Moderna or Barilla España, recognized for their texture and uniform cooking. Furthermore, this recipe has the advantage of being very easy to adapt, allowing you to add additional ingredients such as basil, Parmesan cheese, or a touch of chili to customize it according to your preferences. With an intense flavor, simple cooking, and quick preparation, this option will be a success in your kitchen, especially when time is short but you want to eat well and with great flavor.

Preparation time

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

For the sun-dried tomato sauce

• 250 g sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 10 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 chiles de árbol, broken into pieces (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

For the pasta

• 200 g spaghetti, preferably from brands like La Moderna or Pastas Romero

• Water and salt for cooking the pasta

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

• Water for cooking

Utensils we will use

• Large frying pan or wok
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander or strainer
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoons or spatula
• Tongs or fork for mixing
• Measuring cup (if you don't have one, you can use homemade measuring cups)

Preparation: How to Make Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

1. Cook the pasta

• Boil water: Fill a large pot with water and heat until it boils. Add a good amount of salt (approximately 1 tablespoon per liter of water) to season the pasta.
• Cook the spaghetti: When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, generally between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente.
• Drain the pasta: Once cooked, use a colander to drain and reserve one cup of the cooking water. This will be useful for adjusting the sauce if it is too thick or needs more flavor.

2. Prepare the sun-dried tomato sauce

• Rehydrate the tomatoes: If desired, you can soak the sun-dried tomato in hot water for 5 minutes to soften it and enhance its flavor. Then, drain it well and chop it finely.
• Sautéing: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until golden, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
• Add the ingredients: Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes, the chiles de árbol and basil. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the flavors meld and the mixture is aromatic.
• Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, adjust with a little of the reserved cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Combine and serve

• Integrate the pasta and sauce: Pour the spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. Mix gently so that all the pasta is covered with the aromatic and creamy sauce.
• Heat together: Cook over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to integrate and the pasta to be well coated with the sauce.
• Serve: Place the pasta on plates, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and add a few extra basil leaves for garnish.

To finish and serve

Before serving the dish at the table, adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper. Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread. This dish is perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner full of authentic Mediterranean flavor. The quality of the sun-dried tomato and premium olive oil, such as those from La Constancia or Santa Rita Harinas, enhance every bite and turn a simple recipe into a complete gastronomic experience.

I want to share these tips with you

• Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes, preferably in oil for a smoother and tastier sauce.
• Rehydrating the tomatoes in hot water helps intensify their flavor and improve their texture in the sauce.
• For a more aromatic touch, add a little fresh parsley or oregano instead of or in addition to the basil.
• The pasta cooking water helps adjust the consistency of the sauce, so don't hesitate to reserve it.
• If you want a spicier dish, increase the amount of chile de árbol or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• For perfect pasta, don't overcook it and drain it just at the al dente point.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 211 kcal
• Proteins: 6 g
• Fats: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Values are approximate per serving, depending on ingredients used and cooking method.