Pasta Alla Napolitana
Pasta Alla Napolitana is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti or penne tossed in a light, flavorful tomato sauce with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Simple, wholesome, and comforting, it’s a timeless recipe from Naples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or fresh peeled and crushed tomatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add crushed tomatoes, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tomatoes for the most authentic flavor.
- Add olives or capers for a puttanesca-inspired twist.
- Sauté onions or bell peppers for extra depth.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Toss pasta directly with the sauce and pasta water for a silky finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/pasta-alla-napolitana/
