Spaghetti Marinara
A vibrant and savory spaghetti marinara with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olives, and herbs, perfect for a hearty, flavorful Italian meal enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute garlic in olive oil.
- Drain liquid from tomatoes and reserve it.
- Chop tomatoes and add to garlic, blending well.
- Add reserved tomato liquid, salt, and pepper.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer slowly for 1 hour.
- Add chopped parsley and olives.
- Continue cooking for about 5 minutes longer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer than the recommended hour. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes are a great substitute. Consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. You can also incorporate a splash of red wine for depth. Pair this dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of Hellmann'S Creamy Italian Dressing for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Spaghetti Marinara with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables also pairs wonderfully. For a twist, try it alongside Fettuccine With Roasted Garlic And Chili for an Italian-inspired feast. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley for a touch of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Marinara contains roughly 238 calories, with 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (336% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1806mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh parsley, but use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Add them earlier in the cooking process to help release their flavors.
What type of olives should I use?
Italian black olives are recommended for their flavor and texture, but feel free to use Kalamata or green olives based on your preference. Just be sure to chop them finely to distribute their flavor throughout the sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This Spaghetti Marinara is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that any additional toppings, like Parmesan cheese, are omitted or replaced with a vegan alternative. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).