By Bring Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Marinara Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz/800g) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
For the Spaghetti:
12 oz (340g) spaghetti
Salt for pasta water
For Serving:
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh basil leaves (optional)
PREPARATION STEPS
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Marinara Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
Simmer for 20-25 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally
Adjust acidity by adding sugar if needed.
Combine Spaghetti with Sauce:
Toss the cooked spaghetti with marinara sauce in the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve:
Serve hot with grated Parmesan and fresh basil as garnish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal per serving: ~400
Servings: 4
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
