Spaghetti With Marinara Sauce
A hearty and flavorful spaghetti dish topped with a rich marinara sauce made from ripe tomatoes, onions, carrots, and garlic. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this classic Italian-inspired recipe combines wholesome ingredients with aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan, cook chopped onion, carrots, and minced garlic in hot oil until tender, but not brown.
- Add undrained chopped tomatoes, sugar, salt, oregano, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45 to 60 minutes or until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in a large amount of boiling salted water until tender; drain well.
- Serve the cooked spaghetti topped with the hot marinara sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch. For a vegan version, ensure your pasta is egg-free and use olive oil for cooking. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the sauce a nice kick, reminiscent of classic Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spaghetti with marinara sauce garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside K. K.'S Italian Beef for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Cooked spaghetti can be stored separately and reheated in boiling water for a minute.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Marinara Sauce contains roughly 1895 calories, with 3g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 203g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this marinara sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can also freeze it for longer storage, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for spaghetti?
If you're looking for alternatives to spaghetti, you can use linguine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Each type of pasta will hold the marinara sauce differently, so choose one based on your texture preference. For gluten-free options, try chickpea or lentil pasta.
How can I make this dish more filling?
To make the dish more filling, you can add protein such as cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce. Alternatively, serve it with a side of marinated Italian beans for added nutrition and fiber, creating a well-rounded meal.
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).