Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsGrotto DowntownSpaghetti Marinara Recipe

Spaghetti Marinara Recipe

Inspired by Grotto Downtown
Time30m
Serves4

Indulge in our classic Spaghetti Marinara, featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich, homemade marinara sauce made from ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a blend of fresh herbs. This timeless dish is a perfect balance of flavors, served with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a touch of basil, making it a comforting favorite for any pasta lover.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pasta and Sauce

Method

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Spaghetti

    In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Marinara Sauce

    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.

  3. 3

    Add Tomatoes

    Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes.

  4. 4

    Season the Sauce

    Add salt, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves to the sauce. Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the marinara sauce.

  6. 6

    Serve

    Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

More from Grotto Downtown