Spaghetti Marinara Recipe
Introduction
Spaghetti Marinara is a classic Italian dish that combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce in the pan until well coated.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes for a brighter sauce.
- Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for a rich finish.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or olives to the sauce for added texture and taste.
Storage
Store any leftover spaghetti marinara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used. Simply peel and crush them before cooking to achieve the right texture for the sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat and watch closely. Remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
PrintSpaghetti Marinara Recipe
A classic Spaghetti Marinara featuring a simple, flavorful tomato sauce made by sautéing garlic and simmering crushed tomatoes in olive oil, finished with fresh basil, perfect for a quick and delicious Italian meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Spaghetti Marinara Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves to release their aroma and flavor for cooking.
- Sauté the garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, but not burnt.
- Add the tomatoes and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine with the garlic oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and flavors meld.
- Cook the spaghetti: While the sauce simmers, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Toss pasta with sauce and basil: Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with the marinara sauce. Toss well over low heat to coat the pasta thoroughly. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving to maintain its fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor and avoid burnt garlic as it turns bitter.
- Simmering the sauce helps develop deeper flavors; low and slow is best.
- Fresh basil should be added last to preserve its aroma and bright flavor.
- Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese if not vegan.
Keywords: Spaghetti Marinara, Tomato Sauce, Italian Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Garlic Tomato Sauce
