Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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Classic Italian pasta with a vibrant, slow-simmered tomato sauce that’s bursting with fresh herbs and garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs Spaghetti, Olive oil, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed canned tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the saucepan along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously over medium heat for 1 minute until sauce clings to pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spaghetti with the Best Homemade Marinara?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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