Spaghetti Marinara
A timeless Italian-American classic featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich, vibrant marinara sauce. This simple yet flavorful dish, made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil, is a weeknight dinner favorite ready in under 35 minutes.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the Spaghetti
- b.Fill a large pot with 4-6 quarts of water and bring to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- c.Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- d.Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti in a colander. Do not rinse.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Marinara Sauce
- b.While the pasta is cooking, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute more, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- e.Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- f.Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the marinara sauce.
- c.Using tongs, toss the pasta and sauce together until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a few tablespoons at a time) to create a silky, clinging sauce.
- d.Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil.
- e.Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- f.Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use high-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano. They have a sweeter, less acidic profile.
- 2Do not rinse the pasta after draining. The starch on the surface helps the sauce adhere beautifully to each strand.
- 3The reserved pasta water is liquid gold. Its starch and salt content helps to emulsify the sauce, making it smoother and richer.
- 4Allowing the sauce to simmer for the full 20 minutes (or even longer) is key to developing a deep, complex flavor.
- 5Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Arrabbiata Style
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 or 1 teaspoon, depending on your preference for heat.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Sauté 1 cup of diced vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the onion for added nutrition and texture.
Protein PackedProtein-Packed
Add browned Italian sausage, pre-cooked meatballs, or grilled chicken to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Creamy MarinaraCreamy Marinara
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Extra virgin olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are known to support cardiovascular health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from the spaghetti provide a steady source of energy, making this a satisfying and fueling meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this Spaghetti Marinara recipe contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used and the amount of olive oil and cheese.