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Best Easy Spaghetti alla Marinara Recipe

Name: Best Easy Spaghetti alla Marinara Recipe
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 260 g
Ingredients: spaghetti 12 oz; canned whole peeled tomatoes 1 28 oz can; extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp; garlic 3 cloves; fresh basil leaves 0.5 cup; kosher salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp; red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp

Simple spaghetti in a quick, garlicky tomato sauce — the backbone of Italian cooking. This vegetarian mediterranean classic is a fresh, clean eats family staple ready in under 20 minutes.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 340 kcal

#vegetarian #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

spaghetti 12 oz
canned whole peeled tomatoes 1 28 oz can
extra virgin olive oil 2 tbsp
garlic 3 cloves
fresh basil leaves 0.5 cup

Seasonings/Sauce

kosher salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp
red pepper flakes 0.25 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 60 g 70%

Protein 11 g 13%

Fat 6 g 16%

Serving size 260g

Cooking steps

1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until just al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until just fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute.
3

Pour in the canned tomatoes (crush by hand if whole) with their juices. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to reduce and intensify the sauce.
4

Add drained spaghetti to the sauce along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes over medium-high heat to marry the sauce and pasta.
5

Remove from heat and fold in torn fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What ingredient gives Spaghetti alla Marinara its signature flavor?

The combination of quality canned whole peeled tomatoes, fresh basil, and plenty of garlic defines the classic marinara sauce's fresh, aromatic flavor. Extra virgin olive oil also boosts the richness and mouthfeel of the sauce.

Q. What are the most important heat and timing tips for this recipe?

Simmering the tomato sauce on medium heat for just 7–8 minutes maintains its bright tomato flavor without over-reducing. The garlic should be cooked only until fragrant — not browned — to avoid bitterness. Finally, tossing spaghetti in the sauce over medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes helps the flavors cling perfectly.

Q. How can I prevent overcooking the spaghetti?

Cook spaghetti only until al dente, about 8–9 minutes, then immediately drain and toss in the sauce. This stops carryover cooking and ensures a springy, non-mushy texture that holds up in the sauce.

Q. How many calories are in a serving, and what's the main macronutrient composition?

Each serving has about 340 kcal, with carbohydrates making up 70% (60 g), protein at 13% (11 g), and fat at 16% (6 g). This makes it a balanced, calorie-conscious choice for a pasta night.

Best Easy Spaghetti alla Marinara Recipe

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