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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 liters of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water.
- 2
Cook Spaghetti
Once the water is boiling, add 400 grams of spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain and Set Aside
Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water for later use.
Making the Marinara Sauce
- 4
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- 5
Sauté Garlic
Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 6
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in 800 grams of canned crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix well.
- 7
Simmer Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- 8
Add Fresh Basil
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add 1 cup of chopped fresh basil and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 9
Combine Spaghetti with Sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the marinara sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- 10
Serve
Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with additional fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.