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–+ servings
Overhead view of pasta napoletana in a large pasta bowl with smaller bowls of sauce, basil, and parmesan surrounding.

Pasta Napoletana

Pasta napoletana is a simple meatless spaghetti meal made with onion, garlic and crushed tomatoes and then sprinkled with fresh basil and parmesan.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Recipe Makes: 6 servings

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces dry spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • half of one medium yellow onion (chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan

Instructions

  • Bring large pot of water to boil. Add large pinch of salt, then pasta. Cook to al dente, according to package directions. Just before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of cooking water and set aside. Drain rest of water and set pasta aside. 
    Overhead view of ingredients for pasta napoletana in bowls and a colander.
  • While pasta cooks, warm olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until softened. Add garlic and cook 30-60 seconds more or until fragrant.
    Overhead view of chopped onion, olive oil, and minced garlic in a large skillet.
  • Stir in can of crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
    Crushed tomatoes added to chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet.
  • Add drained pasta to sauce. Toss well to combine. If you prefer looser sauce, add a bit of pasta cooking water 1 splash at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
    Cooked spaghetti pasta added to red sauce in a large silver skillet.
  • Top with chopped basil and grated parmesan, and serve right away.
    Overhead view of prepared pasta napoletana in a large silver skillet.

Recipe Notes

  • Make it Dairy Free: Skip the parmesan or replace it with a plant based alternative.

Recipe costs provided are approximate. Actual cost per recipe & serving will vary by location, store, brand, etc. Approximate cost shown does not include costs for any optional ingredients.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 303kcal | Protein: 11g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 446mg | Potassium: 559mg | Total Carbs: 55g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Net Carbs: 50g | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 108mg
Cheap Cheap Eats recipe developed by Cheryl Malik