Delicious Pasta with Marinara Sauce In 5 Steps

There are few dishes as universally loved and comforting as a simple plate of pasta. This classic pasta with marinara sauce recipe proves that a few quality ingredients are all you need to create an incredibly rich and satisfying meal. With a robust tomato flavor and aromatic herbs, this easy-to-make sauce comes together in minutes, transforming a simple dinner into a true taste of Italy.

What is Pasta with Marinara Sauce?

Pasta with marinara sauce is a staple of Italian-American cuisine. Marinara sauce is a simple tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions. Unlike slow-simmered sauces, marinara is designed to be quick and light. The name “marinara” means “mariner’s” in Italian, suggesting it was a simple meal made by sailors. The sauce is known for its bright, fresh tomato flavor and is a perfect complement to a variety of pasta shapes.

Ingredients

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• A handful of fresh basil leaves

For the Pasta

• 1 lb pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, etc.)
• Water for boiling
• Salt for boiling water

How to Prepare and Assemble Your Pasta with Marinara Sauce

1. Start the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
2. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
4. Combine the Dish: Drain the pasta and transfer it directly into the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Pasta with Marinara Sauce

• The Quality of Tomatoes Matters: The flavor of your sauce depends on the quality of your canned tomatoes. Look for canned San Marzano tomatoes for the best results.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this will give the sauce a bitter flavor.
• Finish with Fresh Basil: Add the fresh basil at the very end of the cooking process to preserve its vibrant aroma and flavor.

Conclusion

This pasta with marinara sauce recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. Its simplicity belies an incredible depth of flavor, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner on a cold evening.

Classic Pasta with Marinara Sauce: A 5 Steps Recipe

foodifa

A simple and delicious recipe for a classic pasta with a rich, homemade marinara sauce that comes together in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion optional
• 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
• A pinch of sugar optional, to balance acidity
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh basil leaves

For the Pasta

• 1 lb pasta of your choice spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, etc.
• Water for boiling
• Salt for boiling water

Instructions

 

• Start the Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
• Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, or until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
• Combine the Dish: Drain the pasta and transfer it directly into the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Add a handful of fresh basil leaves. Toss the pasta and sauce together over low heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavor. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can add a bay leaf while simmering and remove it before serving.

Keyword classic pasta, easy dinner, marinara sauce recipe, pasta with marinara sauce