Ah, the comforting aroma of a simmering pot of marinara sauce! It always brings me back to my childhood, where Sunday afternoons meant gathering around the kitchen table with family, laughter, and the promise of a hearty meal. This recipe for Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Marinara Sauce is one close to my heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also easy to make from scratch, providing a perfect opportunity to create new memories with your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Dish
There’s something undeniably special about a dish that can bring an entire family together, and this Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Marinara Sauce does just that. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
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Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners. The familiar, comforting flavors of this pasta dish make it a favorite among picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. It’s also a fantastic option for gatherings, where you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd.
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Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor. With items like canned tomatoes, dried herbs, and pasta, this dish is easy on the wallet and can be made without a special trip to the store. Plus, these ingredients are often already in your kitchen, making this a perfect meal for those impromptu dinner plans.
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Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this dish. The process of sautéing onions and garlic, simmering tomatoes, and boiling pasta is a wonderful introduction to cooking for those just starting out. It’s a great recipe to build confidence in the kitchen while delivering a satisfying meal.
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Healthy and Fresh: By making your own sauce, you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, wholesome meal. You can avoid additives and preservatives found in store-bought sauces, providing a cleaner, fresher taste. This homemade approach allows you to adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs, whether you’re cutting down on salt or avoiding added sugars.
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Versatile: This marinara sauce is not just for spaghetti; use it as a base for lasagna or as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. It can also be used on pizzas, baked into casseroles, or served over grilled vegetables or chicken for a flavorful twist. The versatility of this sauce means you can reinvent it in numerous dishes, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Be sure to save a cup of pasta water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. This starchy water is an excellent tool for making your sauce adhere better to the pasta.
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Make the Marinara Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. The key to a flavorful sauce is allowing the onions to fully sweat, releasing their natural sweetness.
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking, as the flavors will develop as the sauce simmers.
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Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce until well coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and a hint of sweetness that complements the sauce’s richness. For an extra touch of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that will help you bring it all together:
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Large pot for boiling pasta: The pot should be big enough to allow the spaghetti to move freely while cooking, ensuring even doneness. Consider a tall pot for easier stirring and less chance of water boiling over.
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Large skillet for sauce: A wide skillet provides ample surface area for sautéing and simmering, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken properly. A heavy-bottomed pan is ideal to ensure even heat distribution.
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Wooden spoon for stirring: This tool is gentle on your cookware and perfect for mixing the sauce without scratching your pans. It’s also heat-resistant, making it safe for high-temperature cooking.
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Knife and cutting board: Essential for preparing your aromatics. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and efficient chopping, which helps in evenly sautéing the onions and garlic, preventing uneven cooking.
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Colander for draining pasta: Quickly and easily drain your cooked spaghetti without losing any down the sink. A colander with a wide base and sturdy handles is most effective.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Understanding the purpose of each ingredient can enhance your cooking experience and appreciation for the dish:
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Olive Oil: Adds richness and aids in sautéing the aromatics. It also provides a subtle fruity flavor that complements the tomatoes. Opting for extra-virgin olive oil can enhance the dish with its robust flavor profile.
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Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the sauce. Onions add a sweet depth, while garlic provides a pungent, savory kick. They are the backbone of the sauce, setting the stage for the complexity of flavors.
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Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce; they provide a rich, tangy flavor. Choosing a good quality tomato can elevate the entire dish. San Marzano tomatoes are often considered the best for their sweet and low-acid profile.
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Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. A little goes a long way in adding depth and richness. It’s a concentrated form of tomato that brings a robust, umami quality to the sauce.
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Dried Herbs: Oregano and basil give the sauce its classic Italian taste. They infuse the sauce with a warm, aromatic profile that’s both earthy and sweet. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried if you prefer a more delicate flavor.
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Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor. It rounds out the sauce, preventing it from tasting too sharp or tangy. A small amount is all you need to achieve a harmonious balance.
What to Serve With This Pasta Dish
This Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Marinara Sauce is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
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Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider adding seasonal vegetables for a vibrant, colorful plate.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate, adding a delightful crunch to your meal. A hint of garlic butter can enhance the bread’s flavor.
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Parmesan Cheese: For a more indulgent touch, top your pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall dish. Pecorino Romano is another excellent cheese choice for a sharper taste.
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Homemade Meatballs: If you’re planning a larger Italian-themed dinner, consider serving it alongside homemade meatballs for added protein and flavor. They can be made in advance and simmered in the sauce for convenience.
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Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons of a Caesar salad complement the tangy tomato sauce nicely. It’s a classic pairing that never fails to impress.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
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Refrigeration: Store the spaghetti and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the texture of the pasta and the flavor of the sauce. Combining them just before reheating ensures the pasta doesn’t become soggy.
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Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the sauce to restore its consistency. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This gentle heating prevents the sauce from reducing too much and losing its moisture.
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Freezing: You can also freeze the sauce for up to a month; simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This way, you have a quick meal option ready for busy nights. Portioning the sauce into smaller containers can make defrosting faster and more convenient.
In conclusion, this Classic Spaghetti with Homemade Marinara Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe promises warmth, flavor, and the joy of home-cooked goodness. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the kitchen is a place for love and creativity. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Buckwheat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are well covered. Let them marinate for at least 5 minutes.
- Place the marinated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook the chicken for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If needed, cook for an additional 2-5 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the cooked buckwheat in a small pot or microwave.
- Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the sliced chicken over a bed of warm buckwheat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.