Pomodoro is another classical Italian dish that is delicious in its simplicity. Pomodoro simply means “tomato,” and it is the tomato and basil sauce that gives this dish its iconic fresh taste. It is the perfect light dish to relax with after a long day exploring.

At first glance, many people mistake the Pomodoro sauce for a marinara sauce traditionally paired with spaghetti rather than fettuccine.

Although the two use similar ingredients, they are distinct from each other, with the marinara sauce being liquidy and chunky, while Pomodoro sauce is much thicker and smoother.

A light and quick fettuccine al pomodoro recipe that is guaranteed to satisfy.

Here are the Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1¾ cups fresh tomatoes (diced)
• ¾ cups fresh tomatoes (julienned)
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 4 ounces fresh pancetta
• 1 cup oil-cured green and black olives (pitted and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups baby spinach (no stems, rough chopped)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• kosher salt and pepper
• flour and corn starch (for thickening the sauce, if desired)
• 1 lb fettuccine
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (shredded, to taste)

Directions

Step 1: In a saucepan, cook the fettuccine in well-salted water until al dente, as directed. Time this so the fettuccine is finished around the time the sauce is finished cooking.

Step 2: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and sautee for five minutes. Then add the garlic, saute for 5 more minutes.

Step 3: Next, add the chicken stock, tomatoes, carrots, pancetta and butter and bring to a slow boil. Reduce the heat to low-medium and add the oregano, and red pepper.

Step 4: Allow to gently simmer for 45 minutes and then add the spinach, olives and basil. Check the salt and pepper seasoning and season to taste. If you want to thicken the sauce, sift together 1/2 tablespoon flour with 1/2 tablespoon corn starch and mix into the sauce gradually.

Step 5: Simmer for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Drain the fettuccine and combine with about 1 cup of the sauce to give it a coating to prevent sticking together.

Step 7: Plate the fettuccine and top with a generous ladleful of the sauce. Serve hot, topped with some shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired, with a side of olives.