Classic Marinara Red Sauce Pasta

A timeless Italian classic. This rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce is infused with garlic, onions, and fresh basil, served over perfectly cooked spaghetti for the ultimate comfort meal.

Classic Marinara Red Sauce Pasta
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).

  2. 2

    Add garlic and chili flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. 3

    Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the color.

  4. 4

    Add the crushed tomatoes and their juice. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.

  5. 5

    Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.

  6. 6

    While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.

  7. 7

    Stir fresh basil into the sauce just before serving.

  8. 8

    Toss the pasta with the sauce and serve with plenty of grated parmesan.

Tips, Variations and Storage

Tips: For a smoother sauce, you can blend it after simmering. Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra texture. Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a Pink Sauce. Storage: This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers.

Nutrition Information

Calories
420
Protein
12g
Carbs
68g
Fat
10g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes, but you'll need to peel and de-seed them first. Canned San Marzano tomatoes are often preferred for their consistent flavor.

How do I make it spicy?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a fresh chopped red chili to the onion sauté.

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