Pasta Recipe

Bring water to boil

In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 tablespoon kosher salt so the water is well seasoned.

Cook pasta

Add 12 oz dried pasta to the boiling water and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is 1–2 minutes shy of package al dente (usually 8–10 minutes depending on pasta shape).

Reserve pasta water and drain

Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Heat oil and butter

While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and bubbles lightly.

Sweat onions

Add 1 cup finely diced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened, about 6–8 minutes. Do not let the onions brown; reduce heat if necessary.

Add garlic

Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30–45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

Build tomato sauce

Stir in 14 oz crushed tomatoes and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the paste into the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Season sauce

Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon sugar (optional). Stir to combine.

Simmer & adjust

Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce gently for 8–12 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Taste and season with up to 2 more teaspoons of salt and the 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preference.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, then add up to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta until you reach a silky consistency.

Add basil and cheese

Tear and stir in 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Serve

Divide the pasta among 4 plates or bowls. Sprinkle additional Parmesan and torn basil on top if desired and serve immediately.