Easy Spaghetti Marinara Recipe

A plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce, basil leaves, and sprinkled parmesan cheese, served on a white plate.

Dinnertime on a budget? We've got you covered! This easy Spaghetti Marinara recipe is a family-friendly win, bursting with flavor yet kind on your wallet. Made with pantry staples and ready in under an hour, it's the perfect weeknight meal.

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 45

Total Time: 50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Spaghetti marinara

Servings:

Calories: 551kcal

Author: Mandy Applegate

Equipment

Large pot or Dutch oven
Saucepan

Ingredients

2 ¾ pounds San Maranzo plum tomatoes
1 ½ onions finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
16 ounces spaghetti
Fresh basil leaves optional to garnish
Vegetarian or vegan Parmesan cheese optional to garnish

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

If you are making your own marinara sauce, you'll need to do that first. In a medium saucepan or Dutch oven, add your San Marzano tomatoes, then add onions and garlic.
2 ¾ pounds San Maranzo plum tomatoes, 1 ½ onions, 3 cloves garlic
Now add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and then stir to combine thoroughly. Bring the pan to a simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat, stir, and then leave to simmer for approximately 45 minutes
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3 tablespoons olive oil
Using the cooking instructions on your spaghetti packet, bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and then immerse the spaghetti into it. Stir to ensure the spaghetti doesn't stick together. When the spaghetti is cooked, transfer it to the cooked marinara sauce, if you get a little pasta water in the sauce then that's fine. Toss the spaghetti into the marinara sauce and ensure that it is fully coated. Serve in bowls, with a garnish of fresh basil leaves or a sprinkling of vegetarian or vegan Parmesan cheese
16 ounces spaghetti, Fresh basil leaves, Vegetarian or vegan Parmesan cheese
Perfect pasta - enjoy!

Notes

Secret Weapon: Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick to your marinara. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Simmering Secrets: Let your sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
The Power of Pasta Water: Reserve some of your pasta cooking water before draining. Starchy pasta water helps create a silky smooth sauce consistency when added a little at a time.
Cheese, Please! Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese adds a salty and creamy touch to your finished dish. A sprinkle goes a long way!
Protein Powerhouse: Turn this into a main course by adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or lentils to your simmering sauce.

Nutrition