Spaghetti Margherita (updated)

Spaghetti Margherita (updated)

4 servings
Spaghetti Margherita is so simple! Made stovetop with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, fresh basil, Parm, Mozzarella and tossed with pasta!

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb. spaghetti

    cooked "al dente", drained

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

    plus a little more for drizzling on top after finished

  • 2 tablespoons butter

    optional, but highly recommended for flavor

  • 1-2 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 2 lbs. Roma tomatoes

    about 10-12 coarsely chopped or grape tomatoes

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

    chopped

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella

    cut into 1/2 inch cubes

  • ½ cup grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
  • additional basil leaves for garnish

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook pasta. Set aside, or while pasta is cooking prepare sauce.

  2. 2

    In large skillet, heat oil and butter over low heat.

  3. 3

    Sauté the garlic until fragrant over low heat, about 1 minute.

  4. 4

    Add tomatoes, sugar, salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Add basil, and pasta to pan with tomatoes.

  6. 6

    Cook for 2-3 minutes, just until all pasta is heated through.

  7. 7

    Just before ready to serve, pour into serving bowl, toss with fresh mozzarella and grated cheese. Serve at once with additional grated cheese, and more fresh basil if desired.

  8. 8

    Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and top with a light sprinkle of course sea or kosher salt.

Spaghetti Margherita (updated)

Spaghetti Margherita (updated)

4 servings

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About this Recipe

Imagine a simple, vibrant pasta dish that bursts with the fresh flavors of summer, yet is easy enough for any weeknight. This updated Spaghetti Margherita delivers exactly that: a celebration of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella, all tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti.

What makes this Spaghetti Margherita truly shine is its elegant simplicity and the quality of fresh ingredients. By combining coarsely chopped Roma (or grape) tomatoes with minced garlic, fresh basil, and a duo of cheeses—creamy fresh mozzarella and sharp grated Romano or Parmesan—you create a sauce that's both light and incredibly satisfying. The optional addition of rich butter further enhances the flavor, making every bite irresistible.

You can expect a dish where the al dente spaghetti is coated in a luscious, bright tomato sauce, infused with the aromatic punch of fresh garlic and the sweet, peppery notes of fresh basil. As the dish comes together, the 1/2-inch cubes of fresh mozzarella will gently melt, creating delightful pockets of creamy indulgence, beautifully complemented by the savory depth of grated hard cheese and a touch of fresh ground pepper. It's a remarkably fresh and flavorful experience, proving that sometimes, the simplest ingredients yield the most profound tastes.

Feel free to experiment with your tomatoes; grape tomatoes are a fantastic substitute for Roma tomatoes. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can start with just one clove. While the butter is highly recommended for an added layer of richness, you can omit it if you're looking for an even lighter sauce. You can also adjust the amount of grated Romano or Parmesan cheese to your personal preference.

This simple yet elegant Spaghetti Margherita is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed lunch. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and garnish each serving with additional fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation and a burst of extra fragrance.

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