How to Make Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

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Table of contents:

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How to Make Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the marinara sauce:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 3-4 garlic cloves, grated
• 1 large can 17oz. (490g) of whole plum tomatoes (use the best canned plum tomatoes you can afford)
• 2-3 strands of Fresh basil 
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Spaghetti:

• 12 to 16 ounces (340 to 450 grams) of dry spaghetti
• Salt to taste
• Around 2 liters of water

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Equipment

• Large Stainless Steel Frying Pan or skillet
• Large deep-sided pot with lid (for boiling the spaghetti)
• Large sieve or strainer
• Garlic Press
• Chef Knife
• Wooden Cutting Board
• Glass jars with lids (for storage)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the marinara Sauce

• In a large pan over medium heat, Saute onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until golden (5 minutes maximum).
• Add the canned tomatoes and mash them into the onion with the back of a spoon (or a potato masher). Season to taste with salt and pepper, and mix well. 
• Reduce heat to low, add strands of fresh basil, and gently mix into the sauce. 
• Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to 1 hour. 
• Remove the sauce from the heat, remove the basil strands, check the seasoning, and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. 
• Give the sauce one last mix, and remove from the heat. Optional: blend the sauce for a smooth consistency.

Step 2 – Prepare the Spaghetti

• Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot on high heat. Season with a generous pìnch of salt.
• Once the water is boiling, drop the spaghetti into the water and cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes or until ‘al dente’.
• Immediately remove the spaghetti from the heat and strain off the water. 

Step 3 – Serve

• Add a splash of olive oil to the spaghetti and gently toss with some tongs, then portion the spaghetti into bowls. 
• Ladle a little of the marinara sauce onto the spaghetti and garnish with a small sprig of fresh basil. (Optionally, you can pour the spaghetti into the saucepan with the marinara sauce and gently mix the sauce with the spaghetti). 
• Serve immediately while still hot. 

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Cooking Tips and FAQs

Canned Plum Tomatoes

Whenever possible, use canned San Marzano plum tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, but it’s longer and thinner than the typical plum tomato. They are often regarded as the luxury brand of canned tomatoes. They also certified as authentic Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (D.O.P.), meaning “Protected Designation of Origin.” 

Italian San Marzano Tomatoes are considered the best for making a traditional Italian marinara sauce and are not too difficult to track down through online stores or specialty Italian grocery stores. 

Onion

Onion is not traditionally used to make marinara sauce. However, we love the sweetness of some lightly sauteed onion that perfectly balances the acidity in the tomatoes. We suggest trying making batch of each version, one with onion, and one without, and gauge which you prefer. 

Basil

Use whole basil strands with leaves attached as they are easier to remove later and then there’s no need to blend or puree the sauce for a smooth consistency. 

Oregano and Thyme 

Oregano is the more traditional herb used in marinara sauce, as it gives the sauce a classic Italian flavor. Dried thyme is less common but can be used for added depth. Some recipes include a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme for a more complex taste. If you don’t have any of these on hand, an Italian spice mix will also be ok. 

If you’re aiming for a classic marinara, go with oregano. If you want a more herbaceous, slightly earthy note, you can add a pinch of dried thyme.

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Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce originates from Naples, Italy and is a key part of Neapolitan cuisine. The name marinara comes from marinaro, meaning “sailor” in Italian, because it was a simple tomato sauce made by sailors or for them to eat during long voyages.

Traditional Neapolitan marinara is made with just a few ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and sometimes basil—showcasing the Italian love for simple, bold flavors. Unlike some modern versions, it traditionally doesn’t include onions or meat.

🍅🇮🇹Read more about Marinara Sauce in our complete recipe guide: How to Make Marinara Sauce – Easy Gluten-Free Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe

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How Long to Cook Spaghetti ‘al dente’

Spaghetti usually takes 8 to 10 minutes to reach al dente (firm to the bite), but the exact time depends on the brand and thickness.

For the best results:

1. Check the package instructions for the recommended cooking time.
2. Start testing the pasta 1 to 2 minutes before the shortest time listed.
3. Drain immediately when it’s firm but not hard in the center.

Tip: If you’re finishing the pasta in a sauce, cook it 1 minute less than al dente and let it absorb the sauce for perfect texture! 

How much spaghetti to serve:

For four people, you’ll need about 12 to 16 ounces (340 to 450 grams) of dry spaghetti.

• Light eaters: 12 ounces (340g)
• Average portions: 14 ounces (400g)
• Hungry eaters: 16 ounces (450g)

A general rule of thumb is 3.5 to 4 ounces (100-115g) per person for a main course. 🍝

San Marzano Tomatoes

 If you can source them, Italian San Marzano Tomatoes are considered the best for making a traditional Italian marinara sauce. 

San Marzano tomatoes are a type of plum tomato, but it’s longer and thinner than the typical plum tomato. They are often regarded as the luxury brand of canned tomatoes. They also certified as authentic Denominazione d’Origine Protetta (D.O.P.), meaning “Protected Designation of Origin.” 

It’s worth mentioning that San Marzano Tomatoes don’t come cheap compared to your standard can of tomatoes. However, many chefs argue that their superior quality justifies the higher price compared to other tomato varieties. 

Here are a few suggestions to buy them online:

• Delallo San Marzano Tomatoes D.O.P.
• Cento San Marzano Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Ounce
• Contadina San Marzano Style Crushed Tomatoes, 28 oz

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Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories	245
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4.8g	6%
Saturated Fat 0.7g	4%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 866mg	38%
Total Carbohydrate 43.9g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 6.3g
Protein 7.8g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 70mg	5%
Iron 3mg	19%
Potassium 371mg	8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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