Pasta with Marinara Sauce
A timeless Italian-American classic. Al dente pasta tossed in a rich, vibrant marinara sauce made from scratch with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. A simple, comforting meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce
- b.Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic and optional red chili flakes. Sauté for another 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build and Simmer the Marinara
- b.Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
- c.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- d.Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water. This is key to seasoning the pasta itself.
- d.Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite), typically 8-10 minutes.
- e.Before draining the pasta, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Then, drain the pasta well.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Finish the Dish
- b.Stir the chopped fresh basil into the marinara sauce.
- c.Add the drained pasta directly to the pot with the sauce.
- d.Toss everything together over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Divide the pasta among four warm bowls.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra fresh basil leaves.
- d.Serve immediately and enjoy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for a naturally sweeter and less acidic sauce.
- 2Don't skip salting the pasta water. It's the only chance you have to season the pasta from the inside out.
- 3The reserved starchy pasta water is liquid gold. It helps the sauce bind to the pasta and creates a smoother consistency.
- 4Add the fresh basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- 5For a deeper, more complex flavor, let the sauce simmer for up to an hour on very low heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Brown 1 lb of ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey with the onions. Drain any excess fat before proceeding with the sauce.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions for a hearty veggie-packed sauce.
Make it CreamyMake it Creamy
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Spicy Arrabbiata StyleSpicy Arrabbiata Style
Increase the red chili flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, or add a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Provides Sustained Energy
Pasta is a source of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this pasta with marinara sauce contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact type of pasta and amount of cheese used. This estimate includes the pasta, sauce, and a moderate amount of Parmesan.