Description
This recipe for The Best Spaghetti features perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, savory marinara sauce, enhanced by garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of Parmesan. It’s a classic, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or a simple weeknight treat!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the noodles.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Enjoy your spaghetti!
Notes
- For a meatier version, add ground beef, sausage, or meatballs to the sauce.
- Feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time, but homemade sauce gives it the best flavor!
- To make the sauce extra creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg