There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of spaghetti marinara. This classic Italian dish features a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, perfectly complementing the pasta and making it a favorite for families and food enthusiasts alike. With the right ingredients and a bit of love, you can whip up a restaurant-quality spaghetti marinara in your own kitchen. Let’s dive into the essentials of this delightful dish that’s bound to impress your family and friends.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This spaghetti marinara recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also boasts a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. The combination of stewed and crushed tomatoes creates a luscious sauce, while fresh herbs add brightness. Plus, it’s a versatile meal that can be paired with a variety of sides or enjoyed on its own. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

What to Buy

To create the perfect spaghetti marinara, gather the following ingredients:

16 ounces spaghetti or other pasta – Choose your favorite shape for a personal touch.
2 tablespoons olive oil – A good-quality oil enhances the sauce’s flavor.
1 onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
6 cloves garlic, pressed – Fresh garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic kick.
29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans) – Provides texture and sweetness.
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can) – Forms the base of the sauce.
2 tablespoons tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato flavor.
1 cup chicken broth – Adds richness to the sauce.
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley – Brightens the dish.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
2 teaspoons dried oregano – A classic herb in Italian cooking.
1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
2 teaspoons salt – Enhances all the flavors.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.

Tools of the Trade

To make your spaghetti marinara, you’ll need a few essential tools:

Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
Large skillet – For cooking the sauce.
Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring the sauce without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
Chopping knife and cutting board – For dicing the onion and chopping the parsley.

Spaghetti Marinara: How It’s Done

Getting your spaghetti marinara just right is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the spaghetti marinara hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

If You’re Out Of…

Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient! Here are some alternatives:

Spaghetti: Any pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine, works well.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or butter as a substitute.
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or water can be used instead.
Fresh parsley: Basil or oregano can be used for garnishing.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

To ensure your spaghetti marinara turns out perfectly, watch out for these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Pasta: Always check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest. It should be al dente – firm to the bite.
Burning the Garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, so be sure to stir it frequently and remove it from the heat once it becomes fragrant.
Too Watery Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer adequately to thicken. If it’s too thin, continue cooking it uncovered.
Unbalanced Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A touch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

Spaghetti marinara makes fantastic leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage: Let the spaghetti cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make spaghetti marinara in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Ground beef, turkey, or even meatballs can be added to the sauce for a heartier meal. Just cook the protein first, then add it to the sauce while simmering.

Is spaghetti marinara suitable for vegans?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegan spaghetti marinara.

What can I serve with spaghetti marinara?

Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with spaghetti marinara and round out the meal.

Wrap-Up

Spaghetti marinara is a timeless dish that brings warmth and joy to the table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a perfect recipe for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. Enjoy the process, experiment with flavors, and make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this spaghetti marinara is sure to leave a lasting impression. Get ready to savor every bite!

Spaghetti Marinara

This Spaghetti Marinara is a comforting classic! A rich tomato sauce is paired with al dente pasta for a delightful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

16 ounces spaghetti or other pasta - Choose your favorite shape for a personal touch.
2 tablespoons olive oil - A good-quality oil enhances the sauce's flavor.
1 onion finely diced - Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
6 cloves garlic pressed - Fresh garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic kick.
29 ounces stewed tomatoes (2 cans) - Provides texture and sweetness.
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 large can) - Forms the base of the sauce.
2 tablespoons tomato paste - Intensifies the tomato flavor.
1 cup chicken broth - Adds richness to the sauce.
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley - Brightens the dish.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar - Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
2 teaspoons dried oregano - A classic herb in Italian cooking.
1 teaspoon dried basil - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
2 teaspoons salt - Enhances all the flavors.
1 teaspoon ground black pepper - Adds a hint of spice.

Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chopping knife
Cutting board

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. Stir in the pressed garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve the spaghetti marinara hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Let the sauce simmer adequately to thicken; if it’s too thin, continue cooking it uncovered.
Always check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest for al dente texture.
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator for quick meals.

Spaghetti Marinara

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

What to Buy

Tools of the Trade