The Best Spaghetti Marinara Recipe: Exquisite Italian Cuisine

Spaghetti and marinara is heralded as the literal gold standard of Italian cuisine. It’s straightforward, complex, and jaw dropping delicious. The world over, this marinara sauce pasta made from tomatoes, herbs, and the heavenly smell that surrounds them is beloved. If you have a recipe for spaghetti marinara on hand, you can automatically call yourself an Italian master chef, no matter what your skill level is.

We will take you through a recipe for Spaghetti Marinara that is simple yet one of a kind, and we’ll give you tips for improving its flavor, how best to serve it, and everything else you might need to prepare a gala Italian dinner! 

What is Spaghetti Marinara?

Spaghetti Marinara is a classic Italian dish that includes spaghetti noodles and a deep-flavored, slowly prepared tomato sauce called marinara. Herbed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and olive oil make up the sauce. Contrary to what some people might think due to the name of the dish, it does not inherently contain seafood, unless stated otherwise. The marinara is famous for its lack of complexity and strong taste and flexibility which makes it a common meal in many Italian homes.

Ingredients for Spagheti Marinara 

For the Marinara Sauce: 

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil 
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped. 
• 4 minced garlic cloves. 
• 800 grams of canned whole (or crushed) tomatoes. 
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth).
•  Fresh Basil Leaves Handful, Torn 
• 1 teaspoon Sugar, optional if looking to cut acidity 
• Salt and Black Pepper to Taste 
• 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste

For the Pasta: 

• 400 grams of spaghetti. 
• Water for boiling. 
• Salt for pasta water. 

Optional Garnish: 

• Grated parmesan cheese 
• Parsley or fresh basil leaves. 
• A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinara Sauce

1. Pour olive oil into a big saucepan and set it on medium heat.
2. 2.Put the diced onions into the saucepan and sauté until they become soft and golden brown, this should take around 4 to 5 minutes.
3. 3.Put minced garlic into the saucepan and sauté for 30 seconds until the aroma develops.
4. Add the canned tomatoes, crushing them with a spoon if using whole tomatoes.
5. Add tomato paste and stir thoroughly for caramelizing, as planned, for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pump in salt, pepper, oregano and if you wish, chili flakes and sugar.
7. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes on low heat while occasionally stirring.
8. Add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar with torn basil leaves in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

2. Cook the Spaghetti

1. Place a large amount of salted water in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the spaghetti and cook as per package instructions, typically for 9-11 minutes.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
4. Drain the pasta, leave it aside for now.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the reserved spaghetti to the marinara sauce.
2. Toss the pasta gently for even coating, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if too thick.
3. Letting the pasta simmer for 2-3 minutes on low heat so that it can soak up the sauce.

4. Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the spaghetti into individual serving dishes.
2. Add freshly grated Parmesan, some drizzled olive oil, and sprinkle a few herbs of your choice on top to finish.
3. Pair with steaming hot garlic bread or a fresh leafy green salad served directly on the plate.

Tips for the Perfect Marinara Sauce

• For the most accutare italian flavor, use san marzano tomatoes if available.
• Cook on low heat to allow everthing to blend perfectly.
• The use of fresh basil or thyme improves flavor greatly.
• Additional depth of flavor may be achieved by adding a dash of white or red wine.

Experiment with and adapt the recipe to your liking.

• Add grilled chicken, meatballs, or shrimp for extra protein.
• Top with some vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether to make it vegan.
• Zucchini, mushrooms and spinach could also be included as extra vegetables.           

Nutritional Information (In Each Serving)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g

Conclusion

Spaghetti Marinara is one dish that never goes out of style. It won’t be hard to make this an Italian classic at home with time, fresh ingredients, and a lot of passion. With this dish, you can never go wrong, whether it is a family dinner or a date night.

FAQs

Also read about: Chef Pillai Restaurant: Modern Kerala Cuisine Redefined