spaghetti marinara sauce recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
spaghetti marinara sauce recipe
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The Best spaghetti marinara sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite spaghetti marinara sauce recipe. This classic Italian dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason.

The rich, tangy flavor of the marinara sauce perfectly complements the al dente spaghetti, making it a perfect pairing for any occasion. Whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or a special Sunday meal, this recipe never fails to impress.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a great option for busy families like mine.

In fact, I often make a big batch on the weekends and store it in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days, so I can quickly whip up a delicious meal on even the most hectic weeknights. My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and they always ask for seconds (or thirds!)

It’s a true family favorite that never gets old. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, particularly the San Marzano tomatoes, which have a sweeter and less acidic flavor than other varieties.

Don’t be tempted to skip this step – trust me, it makes all the difference. I also like to use fresh basil leaves from my garden to add an extra burst of flavor to the sauce.

Spaghetti Marinara Sauce

Spaghetti Marinara Sauce

4.6 from 1376 votes

A classic Italian dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a rich, tangy marinara sauce. This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Spaghetti

8 oz spaghetti

For the Marinara Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3The spaghetti should be tender but firm to the bite.
4Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
5While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
6Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
7Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden.
9Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar to the saucepan.
10Stir well to combine.
11Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
12The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
13If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little pasta water.
14Taste the marinara sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
15Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
16The basil should be vibrant green and fragrant.
17Add the cooked spaghetti to the marinara sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
18If needed, add a little pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
19Serve the spaghetti marinara sauce hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
20The pasta should be well-coated with the sauce and the flavors should be well-balanced.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes using an immersion blender before adding them to the saucepan.

Watch Video Of How Spaghetti Marinara Sauce Works

I love that this spaghetti marinara sauce recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

We enjoy serving it with spaghetti on weeknights, but it’s also perfect for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings.

And let’s not forget about storage – with its long shelf life and easy reheating instructions, this sauce is always at our fingertips whenever we need it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spaghetti Marinara Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

For this spaghetti marinara sauce recipe, I highly recommend using San Marzano tomatoes. These Italian tomatoes have a sweeter and less acidic flavor than other varieties, which makes them perfect for cooking down into a rich and flavorful sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe without fresh basil?

While fresh basil adds an incredible burst of flavor to this sauce, you can definitely make it without it. Simply omit the basil leaves or substitute with dried basil if you prefer.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

This spaghetti marinara sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Simply reheat it over low heat when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully. Transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat over low heat.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This spaghetti marinara sauce recipe is vegetarian-friendly and doesn’t contain any meat or animal products. However, be sure to check your ingredients carefully to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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