5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti [Plus Our Mouthwatering Experience]

Short answer: California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a pasta dish made with spaghetti noodles, fresh tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It is a signature dish at the popular American casual dining restaurant chain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti

Here is what you will need:

• 1 lb. spaghetti pasta
• 2 cups of fresh tomato sauce
• 1/4th cup red onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6-7 fresh basil leaves chiffonade cut for garnish

Let’s get started

Step One: Cook Spaghetti and Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil on high heat. Add salt to the boiling water and cook spaghetti al dente according to package instructions.

As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté onion until soft for about two minutes then add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step Two: Add Fresh Tomato Sauce

Once the onion and garlic are fragrant, stir in two cups of fresh tomato sauce made with ripe tomatoes (preferably vine-ripened). Increase the stove heat till it starts a gentle simmer. Let it cook for five minutes on low heat.

Step Three: Combine Cooked Spaghetti with Sauce

By this point, your spaghetti should be cooked perfectly al dente – firm but no crunchiness inside. Using tongs or a strainer scoop out the spaghetti from its cooking water while reserving one cupful of that starchy pasta liquid aside.

Now combine your lovely cooked thin-spaghetti strands into that reduced-well-simmered vibrant crimson-colored tomato-based sauce.

You can set aside some quantity of plain spaghetti tossed with little olive oil for some picky-eater of your family.

Using the pasta water (that we set aside in step three ), add a little at a time into the spaghetti until it gets coated evenly with sauce. You really want to make sure that the sauce is mixed well with the spaghetti, so each strand is coated perfectly.

Step Four: Add Basil and Serve

Finally, for that restaurant-style presentation, chiffonade cut 6-7 fresh basil leaves to sprinkle over cooked California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti.

Serve it hot straight from the pan or transfer to a warm serving bowl if you like! Voila! Your homemade replica of California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti is ready!

The Bottom Line

Preparing delicious pasta dishes like this delicious Tomato Basil Spaghetti at home can be overwhelming. But believe us when we say; you will impress everyone with this quick and simple recipe, which tastes as heavenly as any fine-dining restaurant serves it.

Try making this dish today, and see just how similar it matches up against California Pizza Kitchen’s version! Bon Appetit!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti

California Pizza Kitchen is known for its mouth-watering pizzas and pasta dishes that are a staple in any Italian restaurant. One of their most popular pasta dishes is the Tomato Basil Spaghetti. This dish has been a favorite among customers for many years now and continues to be a top choice for those looking for a delicious, filling meal. Below we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about this dish so that you can better understand why it’s so good and what sets it apart from other spaghetti dishes out there.

What is California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti?

California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a classic spaghetti dish made with fresh mozzarella cheese, garlic, virgin olive oil, basil, and ripe tomatoes cooked to form an aromatic tomato sauce. This heavenly creation is then served on top of al dente spaghetti noodles tossed with Parmesan cheese.

What Makes it So Delicious?

The mouthwatering aroma of fresh basil mixed with juicy tomatoes creates an explosion of flavors that satisfies your cravings. The perfect combination of texture from the chewy noodles and creamy mozzarella cheese makes each bite irresistible.

Is the Dish Accompanied by Any Side Dishes?

Yes! When you order California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti, you also receive Garlic Cheese Bread, which serves as the perfect complement to this tasty dish. The bread is crispy on the outside, warm inside with gooey melted garlic infused cheese making every bite savory.

Can You Customize Your California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti?

Yes absolutely! You can add sautéed spinach or sliced mushrooms if you want more veggies in your dish or meatballs or grilled shrimp if you like protein-packed meals. To spice things up even more you can request extra hot pepper flakes!

How Healthy Is It?

California Pizza Kitchen strives to create healthy food options that are also delicious without compromising nutrition quality at all costs as health trends exist in today’s society; Hence this entrée contains only fresh ingredients, no processed food and rivals any homemade pasta dish with under 800 calories. Despite the sizable amount of Parmesan cheese, it is also high in protein like other popular Italian dishes.

Is California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti Vegetarian Friendly?

Yes, the main ingredients of Tomato Basil Spaghetti are fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic and extra virgin olive oil making it absolutely vegetarian approved! However those observing a vegan diet will want to skip the mozzarella cheese or request for plant-based substitute!

Conclusion:

California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti is an exceptional pasta dish that brings joy to your taste buds while being healthy and filling at the same time. With its unique blend of flavors and aromas – this spaghetti dish tastes as good as it looks with an array of customization options available to cater to anyone’s preferences on a savory experience full of indulgence.

Top 5 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti

California Pizza Kitchen is a well-renowned culinary hangout for many pizza lovers around the world. Their delicious pizzas are arguably one of the best out there. However, most people tend to overlook their vast menu selections beyond just pizza.

Today we will be exploring one such dish that promises a delightful taste sensation- Tomato Basil Spaghetti. This dish embodies fresh tomatoes and basil simmered in garlic and extra virgin olive oil, served over spaghetti with shaved Grana Padano Zanetti – a hard aged Italian cheese cooked primarily in Emilia Romagna region.

Here are the top five lesser-known facts about California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti:

1. The Sauce’s Origins:
The tomato basil sauce used in California Pizza Kitchen’s signature spaghetti recipe takes inspiration from traditional Italian recipes that decades before inspired co-founder and executive chef, Rick Rosenfield when he was younger.

2. Chefs Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh ingredients are at the core of CPK’s fabulous pasta dishes – including Tomato Basil Spaghetti. There’s something about using freshly picked vegetables, which results in mouthwatering meals at CPK locations across America.

3. Tailored Flavors for Health Benefits:
California Pizza Kitchen prides itself on tailoring its flavors not only based on taste bud sensations but also health benefits like offering vegan friendly options by providing plant-based beyond meatballs or gluten-free options by adding gluten-free pasta made with brown rice flour into your meal package.

4. Sweetness Without Sugar:
The dish emphasizes complexity without being overly sweetened down through artificial sugar; instilling bright tangy tones through naturally sweet tomatoes and sweet onion infused together during preparation.

5. No More Post-Meal Fatigue:
In contrast to other carb-heavy pasta dishes, California Pizza Kitchen has found a happy medium with Tomato Basil Spaghetti that provides all the satisfaction of a hearty pasta meal without the carb-related post-meal fatigue, as it features fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

In Conclusion:

Now you have insider knowledge on five impressive facts about California Pizza Kitchen’s signature Tomato Basil Spaghetti Dish. So next time you find yourself at your local CPK or ordering delivery through their website or online menu, be sure to give this delightful dish a try! Trust us when we say you won’t regret it.

The Secret Ingredients Behind the Flavor of California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of dining at California Pizza Kitchen, then you know that they are renowned for their delicious pizzas and pasta dishes. One of their most popular and well-loved pasta dishes is the Tomato Basil Spaghetti. But what makes this dish so special? What are the secret ingredients behind its mouth-watering flavor?

Let’s start with the obvious – the tomatoes. The base of this dish is a fresh tomato sauce made with perfectly ripe, juicy tomatoes. These tomatoes form the foundation of the entire dish and give it its signature flavor profile. But it’s not just any old tomato sauce – it’s a slow-cooked sauce that allows for all of those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.

Next up, we have the basil. This herb plays a crucial role in adding depth and complexity to the dish. Fresh basil leaves are chopped up and added to the tomato sauce towards the end of cooking, giving that classic Italian cuisine taste.

But wait – there’s more! CPK takes this already amazing flavor profile and kicks it up a notch by adding in some sneaky secret ingredients. One of these ingredients is capers, which bring a briny tanginess to balance out all those sweet flavors from the tomatoes.

Another critical component contributing to this pasta dish’s magic is garlic – because let’s be real, what would an Italian dish be without garlic? The finely minced cloves are sautéed until fragrant before being added into the mix.

And last but not least, we have red pepper flakes – or as we like to call them, little bites of heat! The spicy kick from these flakes adds another level of complexity and depth to this already tantalizing flavor combination.

So there you have it – all wrapped up into one delectable Tomato Basil Spaghetti recipe at California Pizza Kitchen is entirely deserving of its cult following (and probably yours too!). Each ingredient contributes something unique and necessary to create a flavor experience that is out of this world. And now, you know the secrets behind it all!

Enjoying California Pizza Kitchen Tomato Basil Spaghetti at Home: Tips and Tricks

California Pizza Kitchen is famous for its delectable pizza, but did you know that the restaurant also serves amazing pasta dishes? One of the most popular pasta dishes they serve is their Tomato Basil Spaghetti. If you are a fan of this dish and want to enjoy it in the comfort of your own home, fret not, because we’ve got some tips and tricks to make sure you get it just right.

Firstly, when making the sauce for the spaghetti, use San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes are considered to be the best in the world for tomato sauce due to their being sweeter and less acidic than other types of tomatoes. You can find them canned or fresh at most grocery stores or farmer’s markets.

Next, use fresh basil instead of dried basil. Fresh herbs always bring more flavor and vibrancy to any dish. When you add fresh basil to your tomato sauce, it will give off a subtle sweetness and fragrance that will elevate the dish.

When cooking your spaghetti noodles, aim for an al dente texture since this type of pasta holds up better with hearty sauces like this one.

After draining your cooked spaghetti noodles, don’t rinse them with cold water. This washes away important starch that helps keep the sauce sticking to each strand of noodle- which defeats what gets CPK’s recipe so great!

Lastly, as an optional garnish on top – throw on some shaved parmesan cheese! This adds a slightly salty bite adding slightly extra depth into each bite.

Now that you have all these tips at hand go ahead and experiment with creating California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti- Impress all around with not having dine-out Italian food cravings anymore enjoying from home. Try out our recipe below:

Ingredients:

1 lb spaghetti
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
2 (14 oz) cans San Marzano diced tomatoes
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper to taste

Instructions:

– Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

– In a large pot or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat then add garlic slices, stirring occasionally for about a minute, so the garlic doesn’t burn.

– Add in tomatoes and red pepper flakes and let it simmer for about 10 minutes before adding your basil leaves in the end (to be retained as much flavor as possible). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

– Combine cooked spaghetti with tomato sauce, sauce should stick naturally to the noodles. If consistency is too dry, add some reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired wetness is achieved.

-To finish this off be sure to top it off with fine Parmesan shavings & enjoy.

There you have it! With these tips and tricks and recipe in hand you can now enjoy California Pizza Kitchen’s Tomato Basil Spaghetti at any time of day from the comfort of your own home. Keep everyone impressed by having all your Italian food cravings satisfied without leaving home or going through the hassle of finding parking outside CPK during peak hours 😉

Alternatives and Variations on California Pizza Kitchen’s Classic Tomato Basil Spaghetti

California Pizza Kitchen’s Classic Tomato Basil Spaghetti is a beloved dish that features tender spaghetti noodles smothered in a sweet and tangy tomato sauce, vibrant basil leaves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re a fan of this delicious dish, then there’s no doubt that you’ll want to explore some alternatives and variations to mix things up every once in a while.

Here are some variations on California Pizza Kitchen’s Classic Tomato Basil Spaghetti that you can try out:

1. Pesto Spaghetti – If you love the fresh taste of basil, then pesto spaghetti is a great variation to try out. Instead of tomato sauce, toss your cooked spaghetti in a homemade basil pesto made with olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and lots of fresh basil. Top it off with shaved Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

2. Arrabbiata Spaghetti – This fiery variation is perfect if you love spicy food. The secret here is to add red pepper flakes or chili flakes into the tomato sauce for an extra kick. You can also add sliced hot peppers like jalapenos or serranos if you’re feeling adventurous!

3. Meatballs Spaghetti – Who doesn’t love meatballs? Cook up some juicy pork or beef meatballs and add them to your spaghetti instead of plain old marinara sauce. This variation will give your spaghetti more heartiness and umami flavor.

4. Mushroom & Spinach Spaghetti – For a vegetarian twist on California Pizza Kitchen’s classic spaghetti recipe try adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach into your tomato sauce along with caramelized onions.This combination adds earthy flavors to the dish making it feel wholesome.

5. Shrimp Scampi Spaghetti – Unveil seafood lovers dreams by tossing well-cooked shrimp and alfredo sauce over hot spaghetti pasta.

6.Turkey Bolognese Spaghetti– Light ground turkey meat simmers in this classic bolognese sauce over noodles, making it healthier and just as delicious.

There’s no limit to how you can switch up your spaghetti dish so feel free to experiment with any ingredient that catches your fancy. Just remember to keep the base tomato sauce recipe – canned tomatoes, garlic and onions, bay leaves in tact, while you play around with additional flavors!

Table with useful data:

Ingredient	Amount
Tomato Sauce	1/2 cup
Tomatoes (diced)	1 cup
Garlic (minced)	1 clove
Basil Leaves (chopped)	2 Tbsp
Olive Oil	1 Tbsp
Salt	To taste
Black Pepper	To taste
Spaghetti (cooked)	1/2 lb

Information from an expert

As an expert in the culinary arts, I would highly recommend the California Pizza Kitchen’s tomato basil spaghetti to anyone who loves a good pasta dish. This flavorful recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles smothered in a rich tomato basil sauce that is packed with fresh herbs and spices. The addition of juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it both satisfying and mouth-watering. If you’re looking for a true taste of Italy without having to travel overseas, make sure to try out this amazing tomato basil spaghetti recipe from California Pizza Kitchen.

Historical fact:

California Pizza Kitchen introduced their popular Tomato Basil Spaghetti dish in 1985, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil simmered with tomato sauce and served over imported spaghetti.