Classic Spaghetti with Marinara

Introduction

Classic Spaghetti with Marinara is a timeless Italian dish that has delighted taste buds for generations. Its charm lies in its simplicity: perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles tossed with a rich, flavorful tomato-based marinara sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. This dish exemplifies how minimal ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.

The beauty of this recipe is that it captures the essence of Italian home cooking—comforting, satisfying, and full of authentic flavor. Marinara sauce is naturally versatile, pairing perfectly with a variety of proteins, vegetables, or simply enjoyed on its own with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and elegant, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners or casual dinner parties.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Classic Spaghetti with Marinara because it is comfort food at its finest. Every bite delivers the rich, tangy flavor of slow-simmered tomatoes with hints of garlic, basil, and oregano. The sauce clings beautifully to al dente spaghetti, creating a satisfying mouthfeel with every forkful.

This recipe is also extremely versatile and forgiving. Whether you have a quick 20-minute dinner window or want to slow-simmer the sauce for extra depth, it adapts beautifully. It’s naturally vegetarian, easy to double for a crowd, and pairs with nearly any side dish, from garlic bread to a crisp green salad. The aroma while it cooks is irresistible, filling the kitchen with the scents of Italy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Classic Spaghetti with Marinara is a must-try because it embodies the essence of Italian cuisine—simple, fresh, and flavorful.

• Timeless flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs is a flavor profile loved worldwide.
• Quick and easy: It’s achievable for cooks of any skill level and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious and satisfying: Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, and the dish provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Versatile: Serve as a vegetarian main, or add meatballs, sausage, or roasted vegetables for variation.

This dish proves that simple, quality ingredients prepared thoughtfully can be absolutely spectacular.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~420 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
   • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using).
   • Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce:
   • Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with marinara sauce.
   • Toss well to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for consistency.
4. Serve:
   • Divide pasta among plates or bowls.
   • Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil for richness.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately while hot.
• Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
• Works well as a side to meatballs, Italian sausage, or grilled chicken.

Recipe Tips

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Simmer sauce longer for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce and spaghetti.
• For extra richness, finish sauce with a splash of olive oil or a pat of butter.

Variations

1. Spaghetti with Meatballs: Add homemade or store-bought meatballs for a heartier meal.
2. Spicy Marinara: Increase red pepper flakes for heat.
3. Vegetable Marinara: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce.
4. Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer, velvety sauce.
5. Seafood Spaghetti: Toss with shrimp or scallops for a Mediterranean twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Sauce: Can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Cooked Spaghetti: Best consumed immediately; can refrigerate for 1–2 days. Reheat gently with sauce.
• Assembled dish: Do not freeze assembled pasta; cook pasta fresh and combine with reheated sauce.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander for draining pasta

Conclusion

Classic Spaghetti with Marinara is a simple, comforting, and flavorful dish that captures the heart of Italian cooking. With its rich, aromatic tomato sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a meal that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Easy to prepare, versatile, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves authentic, home-cooked Italian cuisine.

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Classic Spaghetti with Marinara

Author: admin Cuisine: Italian Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 420 calories per serving

Description

Classic Spaghetti with Marinara is a timeless Italian dish that has delighted taste buds for generations. Its charm lies in its simplicity: perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles tossed with a rich, flavorful tomato-based marinara sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and olive oil.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

For the Spaghetti

• 12 oz spaghetti noodles
• Salt, for pasta water
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Simmer on low heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine Spaghetti and Sauce: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with marinara sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for consistency.
4. Serve: Divide pasta among plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil for richness.

Keywords: Classic Spaghetti with Marinara Recipe