When it comes to pasta, nothing beats a classic marinara sauce. Marinara sauce is a rich, tomato-based sauce that enhances the flavor of your favorite pasta dishes effortlessly. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or a hearty rigatoni, pairing it with marinara makes every bite delicious.
I remember the first time I made marinara sauce from scratch. The aroma of simmering garlic and tomatoes filled my kitchen, making me a lifelong fan.
The simplicity of marinara sauce is what makes it stand out. It features just a few quality ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic. These ingredients come together to create a sauce that is both vibrant and versatile. You’re not just limited to pasta either; it works perfectly as a pizza topping or even a dip for breadsticks.
In my quest for the best marinara sauce, I’ve experimented with different recipes over the years. From adding a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat to trying fresh herbs from the garden, every tweak changes the experience slightly. Your perfect marinara awaits discovery, and the journey to find it is just as rewarding as enjoying the final dish.
So, get cooking, and let your kitchen tell its own Italian story!
Why You Will Love Marinara Sauce Pasta
Marinara sauce pasta is a delicious choice that you will surely enjoy for its simplicity and taste. You might like it for its authentic Italian flavors and easy-to-follow recipes. Traditional Italian marinara sticks to a few main ingredients like tomatoes, salt, and pepper, giving you a fresh and savory experience.
One great thing about marinara sauce is its versatility. You can make it with fresh, simple ingredients at home, which allows you to control the flavors just the way you like. Making homemade marinara sauce can be a fun process and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Another advantage is that marinara sauce is generally lighter than other pasta sauces. It’s lower in calories compared to sauces like Alfredo because it doesn’t use cream or cheese. Instead, it relies on a tomato-forward taste that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
For those who love traditional Italian recipes, this sauce is an authentic marinara you will cherish. You might find joy in exploring classic Italian dishes with marinara as a delicious base. A nice bowl of pasta with marinara sauce is simple yet fulfilling.
If you want to change things up, marinara isn’t just for pasta. It can also be a great dip or base in stews and soups. With its modest ingredients, a homemade marinara sauce recipe allows flexibility to experiment, making it a valuable addition to your cooking routine.
How To Make Marinara Sauce Pasta
Creating a delicious marinara sauce pasta is all about balancing flavors and using fresh ingredients. You’ll enjoy a simple, yet flavorful dish filled with authentic Italian taste by using key ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and basil.
Ingredients
To make marinara sauce pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta
These ingredients combine to create a rich and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
Instruments
Gather these kitchen tools to get started:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Pot for pasta
These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you can cook your sauce smoothly.
Step By Step Instruction
- Prep and Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant.
- Sauce Creation: Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute, then add the San Marzano tomatoes. Crush the tomatoes with a spoon if using whole tomatoes.
- Simmer: Mix in dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes to thicken and develop flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Final Touches: Add fresh basil to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce.
Enjoy your marinara sauce pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired, and relish the classic Italian taste.
Tips & Tricks
When making marinara sauce, start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Fresh tomatoes especially make a difference, providing a vibrant flavor that canned options might not match. Choose ripe, red tomatoes for the best taste.
Add aromatics like garlic and onion by sautéing them in olive oil. This step builds a solid base of flavor. Cook them until they’re soft and fragrant to release their natural sweetness.
Consider using a touch of acidity to balance the flavors. You might add a splash of red wine or lemon juice. This can help brighten the sauce and enhance the overall taste.
For herbs, basil and oregano are classic choices. Add them towards the end to keep their flavors fresh. Torn basil leaves lend a delightful aroma and a slightly sweet edge to your sauce.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds an intriguing depth without overpowering the sauce. Adjust to your taste preference.
Let your sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. This allows it to thicken nicely and brings the flavors together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finally, whenever you serve the sauce, toss it with your pasta just before serving. This way, it evenly coats each piece, enhancing both texture and flavor.
Ingredient Substitute
If you’re out of marinara sauce and need a quick fix, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes you can use. Tomato puree or pasta sauce are great swaps. They have similar ingredients and can be used in the same way. You might notice a slight difference in flavor, but they work well in most recipes.
Another option is using crushed tomatoes. Just add some minced garlic and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. This will give your dish a fresh taste. You might need to simmer it a bit longer to get a similar consistency.
Consider making your own sauce with fresh tomatoes. Chop them up and sauté with garlic and onion. Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper will give your sauce a little kick. It’s a simple and delicious alternative.
Here’s a quick list of ingredients you might use as substitutes:
- Tomato Puree
- Pasta Sauce
- Crushed Tomatoes
- Fresh Tomatoes
With these options, you’re ready to enjoy a great meal without the usual marinara sauce. Enjoy your cooking!
What To Serve With Marinara Sauce Pasta
When you pair marinara sauce pasta with the right foods, the meal becomes even more delicious.
Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread complements marinara sauce pasta perfectly. The crispy texture of the bread works well with the softness of the pasta, while the buttery garlic adds rich flavor.
Salads: A fresh, crisp salad can be a fantastic side. You might try a simple garden salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Drizzle some Italian dressing, and your taste buds will thank you.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your meal. The sweetness of roasted vegetables balances the tangy marinara sauce.
Meatballs: Classic meatballs add protein to your meal. They pair beautifully with marinara sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling parmesan cheese over your pasta makes it more savory and rich. Its salty and nutty flavor is irresistible.
To make your dining experience even better, consider these options. Each one brings its unique taste and texture to your marinara sauce pasta meal. Whether you stick with tradition or experiment with new combinations, you’re sure to enjoy a delightful culinary experience.
Nutrition Fact
When you’re looking at the nutrition facts for pasta with marinara sauce, it helps to break things down into easy pieces.
Calories and Macros:
- Calories: About 271 calories per cup
- Fat: 10% of total calories
- Carbs: 76% of total calories
- Protein: 14% of total calories
Serving Size:
- Common sizes include 1 cup or 100 grams.
Nutrients:
- Iron: Helps transport oxygen in your blood
- Vitamin C: Supports your immune system
- Calcium: Strengthens bones and teeth
- Potassium: Aids in heart function and muscle contractions
Carbs and Fiber:
- Pasta with marinara sauce is rich in carbohydrates. It’s a great energy source.
- Dietary Fiber: Important for digestion
These details help you understand what goes into your delicious bowl of pasta. Knowing the nutrition facts lets you enjoy your meal while making informed choices for your health.
Marinara Sauce Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- colander
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 300 g spaghetti or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes or fresh ripe tomatoes, blended
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or fresh basil leaves
- ½ tsp chili flakes optional
- 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, chili flakes, and sugar.
- Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add cooked pasta into the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Notes
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Sugar: 7g
