Tomato & Marinara

Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Name: Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) spaghetti; 2 cups (475ml) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand; 1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine

By Lucia Marchetti · June 18, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total45 min

Serves4

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of spaghetti, especially when it's smothered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. This is a dish that never fails to bring back memories of my childhood, gathered around the dinner table with my family, savoring the flavors of my grandmother's cooking.

As I grew older, I found myself craving those same flavors and decided to learn the secrets behind my grandmother's beloved spaghetti with marinara sauce. It wasn't long before I was experimenting with my own recipes, trying to replicate the magic of her cooking. Today, I'm excited to share with you my own take on this classic Italian-American dish, one that I've perfected over the years and that never fails to delight my family and friends.

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions - it's a journey through the world of Italian cuisine, where the simplicity of fresh, high-quality ingredients meets the richness of tradition and heritage. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is designed to be approachable, easy to follow, and above all, delicious.

So, let's get started on this culinary adventure, and by the end of it, you'll be enjoying a plate of spaghetti with marinara sauce that's sure to become a staple in your household, just as it has in mine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
The dish is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, from garlic bread to a green salad.
The marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for meal prep.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made for under $10, making it an affordable option for families or large groups.
The dish is also crowd-pleasing, and the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
The spaghetti with marinara sauce is a classic comfort food dish that is sure to become a staple in your household.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great spaghetti with marinara sauce lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The sauce, made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, is simmered to perfection to bring out the deep, rich flavors of the tomatoes. The spaghetti, cooked al dente, provides a satisfying bite that complements the smooth, velvety sauce.

One of the key techniques in this recipe is the process of finishing the pasta in the sauce. This step is crucial, as it allows the pasta to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a dish that's cohesive and harmonious. By adding a ladle of the starchy pasta water to the sauce and then tossing the spaghetti in it, we create a sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly, coating every strand with its rich, tangy flavor.

The use of high-quality ingredients is also essential to the success of this recipe. San Marzano tomatoes, with their sweeter, less acidic flavor, are the perfect choice for the marinara sauce, while extra-virgin olive oil adds a depth and richness that elevates the dish to new heights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great spaghetti with marinara sauce, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, including San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and of course, spaghetti.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for the best quality you can find. San Marzano tomatoes, for example, are a specific variety of tomato that's known for its sweeter, less acidic flavor. They can be found in most specialty food stores or online.

1 lb (450g) spaghettiLook for high-quality spaghetti that's made from durum wheat semolina, as it will have a better texture and flavor than other types of pasta.
2 cups (475ml) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by handSan Marzano tomatoes are a specific variety of tomato that's known for its sweeter, less acidic flavor. They can be found in most specialty food stores or online.
1/4 cup (60ml) extra-virgin olive oilExtra-virgin olive oil is a high-quality oil that's made from the first pressing of olives. It has a rich, fruity flavor and a smooth texture that's perfect for cooking.
4 cloves garlic, peeled and mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Italian dishes, and it adds a depth of flavor to the marinara sauce. Look for fresh, high-quality garlic that's firm and has no signs of sprouting.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is used to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and to add depth to the dish. Look for high-quality salt that's made from natural sources, such as sea salt or kosher salt.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper is used to add a touch of spice to the dish and to balance out the flavors. Look for high-quality black pepper that's freshly ground for the best flavor.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley is a bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality parsley that's fresh and has no signs of wilting.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that's made from cow's milk. It has a nutty, salty flavor and a smooth texture that's perfect for grating over pasta.
2 tbsp (30g) chopped fresh basil leavesFresh basil is a bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality basil that's fresh and has no signs of wilting.
1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wineDry white wine is used to add a touch of acidity to the dish and to balance out the flavors. Look for a high-quality white wine that's dry and has a crisp flavor.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerLarge skillet or sauté panWooden spoon or silicone spatulaCheese grater or microplaneMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until it's lightly golden and fragrant.
3
Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add the dry white wine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
4
Add the chopped fresh parsley and basil leaves to the sauce and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the herbs are wilted.
5
Add the reserved pasta water to the sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss, using a pair of tongs or a wooden spoon, to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the spaghetti is well coated in the sauce.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
8
Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired.
9
To finish the dish, drizzle with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil and serve immediately.
10
This recipe makes 4-6 servings and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
11
To reheat the dish, simply cook it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or olive oil if the sauce seems too thick.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes and extra-virgin olive oil, to get the best flavor out of your dish.
Don't overcook the spaghetti, as it will become mushy and unappetizing. Instead, cook it until it's al dente, then finish it in the sauce.
Add a bit of acidity, such as lemon juice or red wine vinegar, to the sauce to balance out the flavors.
Use a variety of herbs, such as parsley, basil, and oregano, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to find the one that works best for you.
Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the sauce.
Make the dish more substantial by adding some protein, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to the sauce.
Use a bit of creativity when serving the dish, such as adding a sprinkle of grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to the top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the spaghetti, which can make it mushy and unappetizing.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a dish that's lacking in flavor and texture.
Not adding enough acidity to the sauce, which can make it taste flat and boring.
Not cooking the sauce long enough, which can result in a dish that's not fully developed in terms of flavor.
Not stirring the sauce enough, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the pan and burn.
Not serving the dish immediately, which can cause the sauce to congeal and the spaghetti to become cold and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some spice to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños into the sauce.
Use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
Add some protein, such as cooked sausage or chicken, to the sauce to make the dish more substantial.
Use a bit of creativity when serving the dish, such as adding a sprinkle of grated cheese or a drizzle of olive oil to the top.
Try using different types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, to change up the texture and flavor of the dish.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, into the sauce.
Make the dish more substantial by adding some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce.

What to Serve With Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

This spaghetti with marinara sauce is a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Some options might include garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You could also try serving it with some grilled meats, such as chicken or sausage, for a more substantial meal.

Whatever you choose to serve it with, this dish is sure to be a hit. The combination of the rich, tangy marinara sauce and the perfectly cooked spaghetti is a match made in heaven, and it's sure to become a staple in your household.

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesGrilled meats, such as chicken or sausageSauteed spinachRoasted potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This spaghetti with marinara sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat the dish, simply cook it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or olive oil if the sauce seems too thick.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or for serving at a dinner party. Simply cook the spaghetti and sauce, then combine them and refrigerate or freeze until you're ready to serve.

When reheating the dish, be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can also add a bit of water or olive oil to the sauce if it seems too thick, which will help to thin it out and make it more saucy.

Overall, this spaghetti with marinara sauce is a versatile and delicious dish that's perfect for serving at any time of year. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a more substantial meal to serve at a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of tomatoes should I use for the marinara sauce?

San Marzano tomatoes are the best choice for the marinara sauce, as they have a sweeter, less acidic flavor than other types of tomatoes.

How long should I cook the spaghetti?

The spaghetti should be cooked until it's al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. This will typically take around 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you're using.

Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

What type of cheese should I use for the dish?

Parmesan cheese is the best choice for the dish, as it has a nutty, salty flavor that complements the marinara sauce perfectly. You can also try using other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a different flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to the dish?

Yes, you can add a variety of ingredients to the dish to make it more substantial or to change up the flavor. Some options might include cooked sausage or chicken, sautéed vegetables, or chopped fresh herbs.

How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan?

To prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan, be sure to stir it occasionally as it's cooking. You can also add a bit of water or olive oil to the sauce if it seems too thick, which will help to thin it out and make it more saucy.

Can I serve the dish with other types of pasta?

Yes, you can serve the dish with other types of pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then combine it with the marinara sauce and top with grated cheese.

How do I reheat the dish?

To reheat the dish, simply cook it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or olive oil if the sauce seems too thick. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally as it's reheating to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

The Full Recipe

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