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Homemade Spaghetti Marinara photo

Spaghetti Marinara

This Spaghetti Marinara is a comforting classic! A rich tomato sauce is paired with al dente pasta for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

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
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.