Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, draped in a rich, vibrant marinara sauce that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This classic Italian dish isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. With just a handful of simple ingredients and our foolproof recipe, you'll be creating restaurant-quality pasta in the comfort of your own kitchen in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 400g canned tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, prepare the marinara sauce. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the canned tomatoes into the skillet, crushing them with a wooden spoon if they are whole. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently.
- Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season the marinara sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Continue simmering the sauce, stirring occasionally.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 60ml of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with marinara sauce. Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh torn basil leaves.
- Serve immediately in warmed plates, with additional fresh basil on top if desired.
Tips
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the most authentic flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are ideal if you can find them.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process—30-45 seconds is perfect to release its flavor without burning.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a silkier texture.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Fresh basil is key! Add it at the very end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- Warm your serving plates beforehand to keep the pasta hot and prevent it from cooling too quickly.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
