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Ingredients
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Pasta
Marinara Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt (about 1 tablespoon) to the boiling water.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add the spaghetti or ziti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 4
Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 5
Add Tomatoes
Add the canned whole tomatoes to the skillet, breaking them up with a spoon. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Season the Sauce
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the tomatoes. Stir to incorporate all the seasonings.
- 7
Simmer Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
- 8
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- 10
Serve
Serve the spaghetti or ziti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.
