Spaghettini al pomodoro

A general standard for measuring a superb home cook is often their pasta al pomodoro.

As the diminuitive implies, spaghettini are thinner than spaghetti, and seem to be the favourite choice for a tomato sauce in many households.

Add a good tablespoon of butter to the pasta when mixing in the sauce — it makes a slight and delicious difference. If you prefer, drizzle a little olive oil over each portion to serve.

For an arrabiata (hot tomato sauce), add a