Perfect Pasta with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Are you looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that will satisfy your craving? This homemade pasta with marinara sauce is just what you need! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making perfect pasta. With minimal effort and time invested, you can enjoy a hearty meal with your family or friends.

Ingredients

For a satisfying dish for 4 servings:

• 500 grams of spaghetti or another type of pasta
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion (optional, depending on your preference)
• Garlic cloves - to taste (approximately 2-3 cloves)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Preparation Steps

The cooking process is simple, but it’s important that you follow the steps carefully to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly. Here's how:

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Typically, it takes around 8-10 minutes for spaghetti.
2. Mix the Marinara Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, prepare the marinara sauce. In a medium-sized pan, heat up some olive oil over low-medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Then, add sliced garlic cloves and stir gently to combine with the onions.
3. Puree the Tomatoes: Dice your tomatoes into small pieces. Once the onions are soft, add the diced tomatoes to the pan along with a pinch of salt. Let everything simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes to allow flavors to develop fully. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Combine Pasta and Marinara: Drain your cooked pasta when it reaches the desired doneness. Return the drained noodles back into the pot, then pour in the warm marinara sauce. Stir everything together until the noodles are well coated with the rich tomato sauce. Add a dash more olive oil for added flavor.
5. Garnish and Serve: Finally, before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over each portion to enhance its aroma and taste. It’s now ready to be enjoyed!

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe requires about 30 minutes of active preparation time, with the remainder being passive cooking time. The total cooking time is approximately 50-60 minutes if you count from when you start boiling water until serving.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your pasta isn’t overcooked; al dente pasta absorbs more flavors and retains its texture beautifully.
• If tomatoes are out of season, you can use canned ones instead. Just ensure they’re not too sweet or processed with added sugar.
• For a richer sauce, consider adding some ground meat (such as beef or turkey) to the marinara before cooking the pasta. This will significantly enhance its robustness and depth of taste.

Enjoyment Tips

To make this meal even more delightful:

• Pair it with a fresh salad for an extra burst of freshness.
• If you're serving guests, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top to give your pasta that authentic Italian touch!
• Pasta can be enjoyed hot or cold the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.

Enjoying homemade pasta with marinara sauce is a wonderful experience whether you're having it for dinner at home or during a casual gathering with friends. The simplicity of ingredients and preparation allows the natural flavors to come through, creating a dish that will leave everyone satisfied! Give this recipe a try, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with delicious aromas.