Speedy & Authentic Pasta Napolitana: A 20-Minute Italian Weeknight Wonder

Imagine a meal that effortlessly transports you to the sun-drenched streets of Naples, all while requiring just 20 minutes of your precious weeknight time. This is the magic of Pasta Napolitana – a vibrant, incredibly flavorful dish crafted from the simplest, freshest ingredients. It’s more than just a quick meal; it’s an ode to classic Italian cooking, designed to become your ultimate go-to whenever you crave a comforting, authentic bowl of pasta. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparations; this recipe brings robust, fresh flavor to your table with remarkable ease, making it a staple for busy evenings and relaxed gatherings alike.

About This Delightful Pasta Napolitana

Do you remember that iconic scene in the movie Eat, Pray, Love where Julia Roberts savors a luxurious plate of pasta, her face glowing with pure bliss? This Pasta Napolitana is precisely the dish I envision her enjoying – a truly simple yet profoundly satisfying creation. It’s a testament to the beauty of Italian cuisine, where high-quality ingredients and straightforward preparation yield extraordinary results.

This recipe brings you a vibrant tomato sauce perfectly coating al dente spaghetti, finished with fragrant fresh basil and a generous dusting of Parmigiano Reggiano. It’s exactly the kind of soul-comforting meal we all need, especially after a demanding day when your mental energy for cooking is at an all-time low. This Pasta Napolitana recipe is designed to be your culinary savior, delivering immense flavor without the fuss.

Growing up, I, like many, harbored the misconception that a truly rich and authentic tomato sauce (often called marinara here in the U.S.) required hours, if not an entire day, to simmer and develop complex flavors. This belief led me to consistently purchase pre-made sauces from the store, assuming a homemade version was beyond the scope of a busy schedule. However, I discovered this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Pasta Napolitana demolishes that myth. It comes together in an astonishingly quick 20 minutes, featuring a homemade fresh tomato sauce that is bright, light, and wonderfully flavorful at any time of year. Whether you’re whipping it up on a frantic weeknight or preparing it for an elegant Italian-themed dinner party with cherished friends and family, its speed and simplicity are unmatched. The sauce’s straightforward yet profound flavors make it universally appealing. It’s one of those recipes that feels less like a strict instruction set and more like an intuitive dance of flavors, thanks to its humble ingredients and effortless process. Composed of items you likely already have in your pantry, this Pasta Napolitana is poised to become a cherished and frequently rotated dish in your weekly meal plan.

What Exactly is Napolitana Sauce Made Of?

Napolitana sauce, also widely known as Napoli sauce, Napoletana sauce, or simply Neapolitan sauce, is a classic Italian tomato-based sauce characterized by its robust, fresh flavor and inherent meatless nature. At its heart, this iconic sauce is composed of simple, high-quality ingredients: ripe tomatoes, aromatic onion, pungent garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs, most notably basil. These core components create a harmonious flavor profile that is both deeply satisfying and incredibly versatile.

While the traditional version focuses on these fundamental ingredients, some modern interpretations occasionally incorporate finely diced carrots. Adding carrots can introduce a subtle sweetness and additional vegetable goodness to the sauce, making it a wonderful way to boost nutrient content if you desire. If you choose this variation, simply add a large, finely diced carrot to the skillet at the same time as the onion, allowing it to soften and meld with the other aromatics. However, for a truly authentic and streamlined Napolitana experience, sticking to the core elements is key.

To ensure this recipe remains effortlessly simple and quick for any day of the week, I recommend using high-quality canned tomatoes. The consistency and flavor of good crushed San Marzano tomatoes, for instance, are perfect for this sauce. While canned tomatoes offer unparalleled convenience and consistent results, you certainly have the option to use fresh tomatoes. If you opt for fresh, ensure they are in peak season for the best flavor – typically during the warm summer months – and follow the preparation notes in the ingredients section to achieve the desired texture and concentration.

Essential Ingredients for Your Pasta Napolitana

Crafting an exceptional Pasta Napolitana hinges on selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered, fresh flavors that define this classic dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Good Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is not just any oil; it’s the foundation of your sauce. A robust, fruity extra virgin olive oil will infuse your entire dish with a wonderful depth of flavor right from the start. Since this recipe boasts a limited ingredient list, the quality of your olive oil truly shines through and contributes significantly to the final taste. Don’t skimp here!

Onion: I personally prefer a yellow onion for its balanced sweetness and pungency, which mellows beautifully as it cooks. However, a sweet onion or even a white onion would also work wonderfully, each adding its own subtle character. The key is to finely dice the onion so it almost melts into the sauce, creating a smooth texture without noticeable chunks.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers an unparalleled aromatic punch. While I often keep a jar of pre-minced garlic in my refrigerator for ultimate convenience – a fantastic shortcut for daily cooking – feel free to mince fresh cloves for the most potent flavor. Aim for about 3 cloves, or adjust to your preference for a bolder garlic presence.

Tomatoes: For consistency and ease, I swear by canned crushed San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are renowned for their sweet, balanced flavor and lower acidity, making them ideal for a quick, vibrant sauce. If you have access to ripe, in-season fresh tomatoes (typically during summer), you can absolutely use them. Simply blend them in a blender or food processor until crushed to achieve a similar consistency. Just ensure your fresh tomatoes are truly ripe and flavorful to capture that essential sweetness.

Salt and Pepper: Simple yet indispensable. Use kosher salt for its clean taste and adjust to your liking. Freshly cracked black pepper adds a fragrant, subtle heat that elevates the overall profile of the sauce. Seasoning judiciously throughout the cooking process is crucial for bringing out the best in all ingredients.

Pasta: The classic choice for Napolitana sauce is a long, thin pasta shape such as spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair. These delicate strands are perfect for clinging to the smooth, light tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in flavor. Always cook your pasta to a perfect al dente – firm to the bite – to prevent it from becoming mushy and to allow it to absorb the sauce beautifully.

Fresh Basil Leaves: This ingredient is non-negotiable for authentic Pasta Napolitana! The vibrant, sweet aroma of fresh basil is what truly makes this sauce sing. Coarsely chopped and stirred in at the end, it adds an incredible layer of freshness. While dried basil can be used in a pinch, it lacks the bright, herbaceous notes of its fresh counterpart. If you must use dried, remember to use only about 1 ½ teaspoons, as its flavor is more concentrated.

Parmigiano Reggiano: A true Italian kitchen essential! Always have a block of this magnificent hard cheese in your fridge. Its salty, nutty, umami-rich flavor is the perfect finishing touch for pasta dishes, adding a layer of complexity and savory goodness. Plus, it makes a delicious snack alongside crackers or salami. Grate it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Effortless Pasta Napolitana

Having the right tools at hand makes preparing this Pasta Napolitana an absolute breeze. While you don’t need highly specialized equipment, these items will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience:

• Large Skillet with a Lid: A wide, spacious skillet is ideal for developing the sauce. It allows for greater surface area contact, which helps the tomatoes reduce and flavors to concentrate beautifully. A risotto skillet or even a reliable cast iron skillet works perfectly, providing even heat distribution and excellent searing capabilities. The lid is crucial for simmering the sauce gently.
• Long Tongs: Essential for handling and coating the pasta. Tongs allow you to easily transfer the cooked pasta into the simmering sauce and toss it thoroughly, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated with the flavorful sauce. They’re also handy for stirring the pasta as it cooks.
• Large Stockpot or Dutch Oven: This is where your pasta will get its perfect al dente cook. A large pot ensures ample space for the pasta to move freely in the boiling, salted water, preventing it from sticking together and promoting even cooking. The larger the pot, the better the pasta cooks.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For finely dicing your onion and garlic, and for coarsely chopping your fresh basil. A good knife makes prep work quick and safe.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements, ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in your sauce.

Here’s How to Craft Your Perfect Pasta Napolitana

Making this Pasta Napolitana is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal in just 20 minutes:

Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. This water is for your pasta, and adequate salting is crucial for flavoring the noodles from within. Meanwhile, in your large skillet with a lid, heat the good quality extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add your finely diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This process draws out the onion’s sweetness and forms the aromatic base of your sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. Stir constantly during this short step.

After the aromatics are ready, stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, along with the salt and freshly cracked black pepper. It’s important to stir everything together really well, ensuring the olive oil is thoroughly incorporated into the tomatoes. This initial mixing helps to emulsify the sauce and prevents the oil from separating, leading to a smoother, more cohesive final product before it begins to simmer.

Simmer the Flavorful Sauce

Once all the ingredients are combined in the skillet, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with its lid and allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes. This low and slow simmering time is essential for the flavors to meld and deepen, transforming the individual ingredients into a harmonious and rich sauce. Avoid the temptation to turn the heat up, as a rapid boil can over-reduce the sauce and alter its delicate flavor balance.

Cook the Pasta to Perfection

While your sauce is simmering, cook your chosen long pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or angel hair) in the boiling salted water according to the package directions. The key here is to cook it only to an al dente consistency – meaning it should be firm to the bite, not soft or mushy. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a superior texture when tossed with sauce. Before draining the pasta, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” is incredibly useful for adjusting the consistency of your sauce later, if needed. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside momentarily.

Bring It All Together

After the sauce has simmered for 10 minutes, remove the lid from the skillet. Stir in the coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, letting the basil infuse its wonderful aroma and flavor into the tomatoes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. At this stage, add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Using your tongs, toss the pasta vigorously to ensure every strand is thoroughly coated in the rich, fragrant Napolitana sauce. The warmth of the pasta will help it absorb the flavors beautifully.

Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with an extra sprinkling of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a few more fresh basil leaves for a final flourish. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying Italian classic!

Pro Tip: Always reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining! This liquid is invaluable. If your Pasta Napolitana sauce accidentally reduces too much or seems too thick, a splash of this starchy water will help emulsify and loosen it to the perfect consistency without diluting the flavor. The starch helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Expert Tips and Creative Ideas

To truly master your Pasta Napolitana and elevate it from great to extraordinary, consider these expert tips and creative variations:

• Finely Chop the Onions for a Seamless Sauce: The texture of your sauce is key. Ensure your onions are very finely diced. This allows them to soften and almost melt into the sauce, contributing their sweet, savory flavor without leaving large, distracting chunks. A well-diced onion creates a smoother, more elegant sauce consistency that blends perfectly with the crushed tomatoes.
• Choose the Right Pasta Shape for Optimal Sauce Adhesion: While personal preference plays a role, certain pasta shapes are inherently better suited for smooth, light sauces like Napolitana. Long, thin noodles such as spaghetti, angel hair, and linguine are ideal because their slender form allows the sauce to coat every strand evenly. In contrast, chunkier sauces with meat or vegetables are often best served with shorter, wider pastas like penne or rigatoni, which can trap and hold more substantial ingredients.
• Easily Add Meat for a Heartier Meal: Transform this vegetarian delight into a robust meat sauce with minimal effort. Simply brown ground chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage (pork or turkey) in the skillet with the onion until fully cooked and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then proceed with the recipe as instructed, allowing the meat’s savory juices to infuse the tomato sauce.
• Maintain Low Heat During Simmering: Patience is a virtue, especially when simmering sauce. Keep the heat on low to allow the flavors to slowly meld and concentrate. If the sauce bubbles away at too high a heat, it risks over-reducing and becoming overly thick or even developing a slightly bitter, ‘cooked-down’ flavor. A gentle simmer ensures a bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced taste.
• Introduce a Hint of Heat with Red Pepper Flakes: For those who appreciate a subtle kick, a couple of pinches of crushed red pepper flakes can wonderfully enhance the sauce. Add them along with the fresh basil during the final simmering stage. This allows their warmth to infuse the sauce without overpowering the fresh tomato and basil flavors, adding an exciting dimension to each bite.

More tasty Italian pasta dishes to try: Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu | Cheesy Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake | Instant Pot Bolognese | Gnocchi Bolognese Bake | Chicken Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Is Napoli Sauce Identical to Marinara?

The terms “Napoli sauce” and “marinara sauce” are often used interchangeably, and indeed, they share many fundamental similarities, particularly in North America. Both are quintessential Italian tomato-based sauces, celebrated for their simplicity and fresh, vibrant flavors. They typically feature common ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and herbs like basil and oregano. Napoli sauce (or Napoletana sauce) broadly refers to a simple tomato sauce originating from Naples, characterized by its fresh and unadulterated tomato flavor, often enhanced by onion and garlic.

Marinara, derived from “marinaro” meaning “of the sea,” traditionally refers to a quick sauce that was easy for sailors to prepare. It’s also known as “salsa pomodoro” or simply “Italian tomato sauce.” While many modern marinara recipes include onion, some purists define marinara as an even simpler sauce, primarily composed of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, cooked quickly. The subtle distinctions often come down to regional variations, specific herb combinations, or the exact cooking time, which can influence the sauce’s sweetness and depth. Ultimately, both are versatile and delicious, perfect for coating any type of pasta, serving as a base for pizza, or enhancing countless other Italian dishes. They embody the essence of straightforward Italian cooking where the quality of ingredients speaks for itself.

Can Pasta Napolitana Be Made Vegan?

Absolutely! One of the beautiful aspects of authentic Pasta Napolitana is its natural inclination towards being vegan. The core sauce—made from tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil—is inherently plant-based. To effortlessly transform this recipe into a completely vegan dish, all you need to do is omit the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, which is traditionally used as a garnish. The sauce itself delivers ample flavor without the need for dairy. If you desire a cheesy element, many excellent plant-based parmesan alternatives are available today that can be grated over your pasta for a similar savory finish. Beyond this minor adjustment, the recipe remains entirely suitable for a vegan diet, making it a fantastic and flavorful option for everyone.

Canned Versus Fresh Tomatoes: Which to Choose?

The choice between canned and fresh tomatoes often comes down to convenience, seasonality, and desired flavor profile. Personally, for a quick and consistently delicious Pasta Napolitana, I strongly advocate for high-quality canned crushed tomatoes, especially San Marzano varieties. These tomatoes are picked and canned at their peak ripeness, ensuring a consistent sweetness and richness that can be hard to achieve with fresh tomatoes outside of their prime season. Using canned tomatoes makes this recipe super quick and accessible year-round, delivering excellent results every time.

However, if it’s the height of summer and you have access to abundant, ripe, flavorful fresh tomatoes from your garden or a local market, then by all means, embrace them! To use fresh tomatoes, you’ll need about 28 ounces total (roughly 3 ½ cups) to create a crushed texture similar to canned. Simply blend them in a blender or food processor until they reach a crushed consistency. When selecting fresh tomatoes, avoid smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes. While delicious on their own, their flavor profile is significantly sweeter and more intense than larger, traditional sauce tomatoes, which can subtly alter the desired balance of the Napolitana sauce. Stick to larger, ripe slicing or paste tomatoes for the most authentic taste.

How Can I Achieve a Smoother Pasta Sauce?

While Pasta Napolitana often has a rustic texture from the crushed tomatoes and finely diced onion, some prefer a velvety smooth sauce. Achieving this is quite simple! Once your sauce has finished simmering and all the flavors have melded, you have a couple of excellent options:

1. Immersion Blender (Hand Blender): This is the easiest and most convenient method. Simply insert an immersion blender directly into the skillet with the hot sauce. Blend until you reach your desired level of smoothness. Be cautious not to over-blend if you still want a hint of texture, but continue blending for a completely silky consistency.
2. Regular Blender: If you don’t have an immersion blender, a standard blender works perfectly. For safety, allow the sauce to cool slightly before transferring it to the blender. Process in batches, being careful not to overfill the blender, especially with hot liquids. Place a towel over the lid and hold it down firmly to prevent any splashes. Blend until completely smooth, then return the sauce to the skillet to reheat gently before serving.

Both methods will transform your sauce into a wonderfully smooth consistency, perfect for those who prefer a less chunky experience.

My Pasta Sauce Is Too Thick, What Should I Do?

It’s a common culinary scenario: your beautiful pasta sauce has reduced a little too much and now appears overly thick. Don’t panic! This is precisely why we recommend reserving that starchy pasta water. If your sauce consistency isn’t quite right, you can easily rescue it.

Simply add about 1 tablespoon of the reserved pasta water to your sauce at a time. Stir it in thoroughly and allow it to incorporate, observing the sauce’s consistency. The starch from the pasta water not only thins the sauce but also helps it to emulsify and cling beautifully to the noodles, enhancing the overall texture and mouthfeel. Continue adding small splashes of pasta water, stirring between each addition, until your sauce reaches the perfect, luscious consistency you desire. This technique ensures your Pasta Napolitana remains vibrant and well-coated.

Need more inspiration for more pasta dishes? Check out my pasta recipes page!

Delicious Variations to Explore

While Pasta Napolitana is perfect in its classic form, its simple foundation makes it incredibly adaptable. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Here are some delightful variations to keep this sauce exciting and fresh every time you make it:

• Add a Briny Kick: For a subtle depth of savory, briny flavor, stir in a small can of drained tuna (packed in olive oil for best flavor) or a few finely chopped anchovy fillets right into the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering. The anchovies will dissolve, adding a profound umami boost without a strong fishy taste.
• Introduce Tangy Capers: Finish off your dish with a sprinkle of capers. These tiny, briny flower buds add a wonderful piquant and tangy burst that beautifully complements the sweet tomatoes. Add them just before serving or during the final minute of simmering.
• Create a Creamy Texture: For a richer, more luxurious sauce, stir in a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese at the very end. The ricotta will melt slightly, creating a wonderfully creamy texture and a mild, milky sweetness that mellows the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Drizzle with Basil Oil: Elevate the fresh basil flavor with a drizzle of homemade basil oil just before serving. This adds an intense herbaceous aroma and a glossy finish to the dish.
• Transform into a Hearty Meat Sauce: As mentioned before, for a more substantial meal, brown any ground meat – chicken, beef, or Italian sausage – alongside the onion. This creates an easy, flavorful meat sauce that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Experiment with a Touch of Curry: For an unexpected and intriguing flavor twist, add about ½ tsp to 1 tsp of curry powder to the onion and garlic mixture. It lends a warm, aromatic depth that works surprisingly well with tomatoes.
• Enhance with Fresh Oregano: While basil is key, freshly chopped oregano can add another layer of classic Italian flavor. Stir it in along with the basil for a more robust, earthy profile.
• Sneak in More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and complexity by incorporating other finely chopped vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots are excellent choices. Add them to the skillet after the onion and cook them down slightly before adding the garlic. It’s a fantastic way to introduce extra goodness without altering the core character of the sauce too much.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pasta Napolitana

Pasta Napolitana is a wonderfully complete and satisfying meal on its own, vibrant with fresh flavors. However, a few thoughtfully chosen accompaniments can elevate the dining experience even further. Here are some ideal pairings to complete your Italian feast:

• Essential Garnishes: Always finish each serving with an extra flourish of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. These simple additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also amplify the savory, herbaceous notes of the dish.
• Crusty Bread for Sopping: No Italian pasta meal is complete without something to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce! Serve alongside slices of crispy air fryer garlic bread or a rustic loaf of toasted no-knead overnight bread. The textural contrast and the opportunity to savor every bit of sauce are simply irresistible.
• A Refreshing Side Salad: To balance the richness of the pasta, a light and crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. It adds a welcome burst of freshness and a touch of healthy greens to your meal.
• Appetizer Inspiration: Kick off your Italian-themed dinner with a crowd-pleasing starter. This super cheesy pepperoni pizza dip is a fun and flavorful way to begin, setting the stage for the delicious pasta to come.
• Classic Italian Cocktails: Start your meal right with a vibrant and refreshing cocktail. An Aperol Sour or a zesty Limoncello Spritz are both excellent choices. Their bright, citrusy notes are perfect for whetting the appetite and pair beautifully with the flavors of the pasta.
• Sweet Endings: Conclude your meal on a sweet and satisfying note. I often opt for something light yet decadent. Consider any of these delightful dessert recipes:
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies offer a gooey, rich, and utterly decadent finish.
  • A layered Blackberry Lemon Icebox Cake provides a simple, no-bake frozen dessert that’s wonderfully cool and refreshing.
  • If you adore fruity desserts, you absolutely can’t go wrong with this warm and comforting Bourbon Cherry Peach Crumble, bursting with seasonal fruit flavors.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

One of the many benefits of Pasta Napolitana is how well it stores, allowing you to enjoy leftovers or prepare the sauce ahead of time. Here’s how to best store and reheat your delicious pasta:

• Storing the Sauce (Made Ahead): The Napolitana sauce can be prepared in advance, making meal prep a breeze. Once cooled completely, transfer the sauce to an airtight container or a glass jar. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
• Storing Leftover Pasta with Sauce: If you have leftover pasta already mixed with the sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While the pasta will absorb more of the sauce over time, it will still be delicious.
• Reheating the Sauce: To reheat the sauce on its own, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly warmed through. For smaller portions, the microwave works well: heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until heated evenly.
• Reheating Pasta Dressed in Sauce: For leftover pasta mixed with sauce, reheating in the microwave is usually the quickest method. Place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 to 1 ½ minutes, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. You can also gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
• Freezing the Sauce: The Napolitana sauce freezes exceptionally well. Once the sauce has cooled completely, pour it into a resealable freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air before sealing. Lay the bag flat on a baking sheet to freeze solid, which also makes for easy stacking. If you have a larger batch, use multiple bags. The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for future quick meals.
• Thawing Frozen Sauce: To thaw, simply transfer the frozen sauce from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it using the instructions provided above.

Explore More Irresistible Noodle Recipes

If you’re a lover of all things pasta and noodles, then you’re in for a treat! Beyond the delightful simplicity of Pasta Napolitana, there’s a whole world of creative and delicious noodle-based dishes waiting to be discovered. Here are some more fantastic recipes to add to your culinary repertoire:

• Gochujang Noodles with Chicken and Greens: A whirlwind 15-minute recipe that transforms leftover chicken and fresh greens into a spicy, savory, and incredibly satisfying Asian-inspired noodle dish. It’s perfect for when you need a quick burst of flavor.
• Creamy Instant Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Say hello to the ultimate comfort food, made effortlessly in one pot! This rich, creamy mac and cheese is a luxurious take on a classic, perfect for any night of the week when you crave something deeply satisfying.
• Singapore Street Noodles: Embark on a flavorful journey with these vibrant noodles. They are simple to prepare, bursting with savory flavors, and offer a delightful touch of spice that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of Singapore.

Finally, if you take the time to create this Pasta Napolitana recipe, please be sure to give it a rating and/or leave a comment below! Your feedback is invaluable, and I truly love hearing about your culinary experiences. I make it a point to respond to every single comment and am always happy to answer any questions you might have.

Oh, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share photos of your delicious creation! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes brings me immense joy, and it truly means the world to me!

Pasta Napolitana Recipe Card

This delightful Pasta Napolitana recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and authentic Italian dish, perfect as a go-to weeknight meal that everyone will adore.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4

5 from 47 votes

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Essential Equipment

• Measuring Spoons
• Shun Chef’s Knife
• Utility Cutting Board
• 9-Inch Tongs
• Nonstick 12-Inch Skillet

Recipe Ingredients

• 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion finely diced (approximately 1/2 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic minced (fresh is best for flavor)
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 28 oz can crushed San Marzano tomatoes (or other high-quality crushed tomatoes)
• 12 oz spaghetti or other long thin pasta (e.g., linguine, angel hair)
• 12 large fresh basil leaves coarsely chopped, plus extra for serving
• Finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano for serving (optional, omit for vegan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

• To begin, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a vigorous boil over high heat. This ensures your pasta is seasoned from the inside out.
• In a large skillet equipped with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring continuously, until it releases its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ensuring they are thoroughly combined with the oil and aromatics to create a cohesive sauce base. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes to develop its rich flavors.
• While the sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta in the boiling salted water until it reaches an al dente consistency (firm to the bite), following the package instructions. Crucially, before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
• Remove the lid from the sauce and stir in the coarsely chopped fresh basil. Continue to simmer the sauce uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the basil’s vibrant flavor to infuse. Remove the skillet from the heat. If your sauce has become too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, toss the noodles thoroughly to ensure every strand is beautifully coated with the fragrant Napolitana sauce.
• Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with a generous grating of Parmigiano Reggiano and extra freshly chopped basil for a perfect finish. Enjoy your homemade Pasta Napolitana!

Recipe Video

Nutritional Information

Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 80g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 704mg | Potassium: 807mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 492IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 4mg

Calories: 508kcal

Cuisine: Italian

Category: Pasta