Pasta with Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, homemade marinara sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or hearty lunch.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes 28-ounce can
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and sugar. Stir to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in fresh chopped basil and remove from heat.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until well coated.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
This dish is easily adaptable—add sautéed vegetables, ground meat, or vegan alternatives for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.