Marinara pasta celebrates the comfort of classic Italian flavors with tender pasta tossed in a rich, tomato-based sauce. Ripe tomatoes simmer with garlic, onion, and herbs, creating a balanced blend of savory depth and gentle brightness. A touch of balsamic vinegar enhances the natural sweetness, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finish. Simple to prepare and made with everyday ingredients, marinara pasta is a timeless, satisfying dish perfect for easy weeknight meals or relaxed family dinners.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This marinara pasta
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, authentic flavor that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Versatile base for adding your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you can feel good about.
- Perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy it anytime!
marinara pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where your pasta will dance and cook to perfection!
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
- Meanwhile, heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Let it warm up and get ready for some flavor!
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens!
- Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Stir in chopped basil leaves and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch!
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand with that delicious marinara.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your homemade marinara pasta!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create a delicious marinara pasta dish!
- 8 oz spaghetti – or any pasta of your choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing and flavor
- 2 cloves garlic – minced for that aromatic touch
- 1 small onion – finely chopped for sweetness
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes – the base of your sauce
- 1 tsp sugar – to balance the acidity
- 1 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
- ½ tsp black pepper – adds a little heat
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves – chopped for freshness
- grated Parmesan – optional, for a cheesy finish
How to Make Marinara Pasta
This delightful marinara pasta is a quick and easy dish that brings the taste of Italy to your kitchen. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step 1: Bring Water to a Boil
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is where your pasta will dance and cook to perfection!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.
Step 3: Heat the Olive Oil
Meanwhile, heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Let it warm up and get ready for some flavor!
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Onion
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in crushed tomatoes, a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Add Fresh Basil
Stir in chopped basil leaves and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Fresh basil adds a lovely touch!
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand with that delicious marinara.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your homemade marinara pasta!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with grated Parmesan |
Pro Tips for Making marinara pasta
- Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for a vibrant sauce.
- Simmer the sauce longer for deeper flavors.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- Use fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
How to Serve this marinara pasta
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Mix in sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your marinara pasta later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow pasta to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the pasta completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat.
- Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is marinara pasta?
Marinara pasta refers to pasta served with marinara sauce, a simple and flavorful tomato-based sauce. Traditionally made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, marinara sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and pairs beautifully with various types of pasta, making it a beloved dish for many. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.
2. What pasta goes best with marinara sauce?
While marinara sauce can complement many types of pasta, classics like spaghetti, penne, and linguine are particularly popular choices. Spaghetti is often the go-to for its ability to twirl around the fork, while penne’s tubular shape holds the sauce well. Ultimately, the best pasta is the one you enjoy most, so feel free to experiment with your favorites!
3. Is pomodoro the same as marinara?
Pomodoro and marinara are similar but not identical. Pomodoro sauce is typically a bit smoother and may include additional ingredients like onion and butter, while marinara is chunkier and focuses on the tomatoes and garlic. Both sauces are delicious and can be used interchangeably in many recipes, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
4. What’s the difference between marinara & tomato sauce?
The main difference lies in the preparation and ingredients. Marinara sauce is a quick-cooking sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, while tomato sauce is usually cooked longer and may include additional ingredients like vegetables, meat, or spices. Marinara is often used as a base for pasta dishes, while tomato sauce can be more versatile, used in casseroles, pizzas, and more.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this easy marinara pasta recipe in your back pocket, it’s time to gather your loved ones and enjoy a delightful meal together! The simplicity of homemade tomato sauce brings a warm, nostalgic feeling to the table. So, twirl that pasta, savor every bite, and relish the joy of cooking something truly special!