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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.
Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce
Build and Simmer the Marinara
Cook the Pasta
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A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish where spaghetti and fresh vegetables cook together in one pot. This low-sodium version is perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
A rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender mushrooms in a velvety, garlic-infused cream sauce. Made completely without salt, this recipe relies on fresh herbs and black pepper for a surprisingly flavorful meal.
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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.
This italian_american recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 651.42 calories per serving with 22.09g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine and Finish the Dish
Serve
Brown 1 lb of ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey with the onions. Drain any excess fat before proceeding with the sauce.
Sauté sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions for a hearty veggie-packed sauce.
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Increase the red chili flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, or add a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery kick.
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Pasta is a source of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy to fuel your body and brain.
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
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.
Yes, it can be a very healthy meal. The sauce is rich in lycopene from cooked tomatoes, antioxidants from garlic and olive oil. Using whole wheat pasta increases fiber content. It's a balanced meal providing carbohydrates for energy, and when served with a side salad, it becomes even more nutritious.
Absolutely! The sauce's flavor actually improves after a day or two. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Simply reheat it on the stovetop before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Long pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are classic choices that are perfect for twirling with this smooth sauce. However, short shapes with ridges like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are also excellent as they trap the sauce well.
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese at the end or substitute it with a high-quality plant-based Parmesan alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally vegan.
Tomato acidity can vary. The small amount of sugar in the recipe helps balance it. If it's still too acidic, you can add a pinch more sugar or a very small piece of carrot while it simmers (and remove it before serving). Simmering the sauce longer also helps mellow out the acidity.