Amazingly Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe: Quick & Delicious!

An easy marinara pasta recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe emphasizes simplicity and fresh ingredients, resulting in a flavorful dish that requires minimal culinary expertise. The straightforward instructions make it accessible to novice cooks, while the delicious outcome satisfies even experienced palates. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the process, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience. The recipe focuses on maximizing flavor with readily available ingredients.

The appeal of an easy marinara pasta recipe lies in its versatility and adaptability. One can easily customize the recipe to suit individual preferences, incorporating different vegetables, herbs, or spices. The basic recipe provides a solid foundation upon which to build more complex and creative pasta dishes. The ease of preparation makes it an excellent choice for both casual weeknight dinners and impromptu gatherings. This recipe successfully balances ease of preparation with a delightful end result.

The fundamental components of this recipe contribute to its overall success. Careful selection of high-quality ingredients ensures a rich, vibrant final product. The precise cooking times ensure perfectly cooked pasta and a well-balanced sauce. Following the steps accurately will guarantee a satisfying outcome for the home cook. The recipes focus on simplicity avoids overwhelming complexity, contributing to a stress-free cooking process.

Ingredients for an Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your preference)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil
• Optional: Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions for an Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, oregano, and basil; cook for 1 minute more.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil, if desired.

Estimated Cooking Time and Servings for this Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

This simple recipe requires approximately 30 minutes of active cooking time and yields approximately 4 servings. The quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy schedules. The recipe is easily scalable to accommodate larger or smaller groups. Precise timing is key to achieving perfectly cooked pasta and a well-balanced sauce. The yield is easily adjusted by modifying the quantities of the ingredients.

Nutritional Information for this Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

This easy marinara pasta recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta and lycopene from the tomatoes, which is beneficial for overall health. The addition of garlic and onions contributes to the nutritional value of the dish by providing beneficial compounds. A balanced meal, this recipe provides energy for daily activities. The nutritional content can be further enhanced by adding vegetables.

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. This is an estimate.)

Tips for Cooking this Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

This recipes simplicity allows for culinary creativity and personalization. Mastering the nuances of this dish can lead to further culinary exploration and improvement of cooking skills. The recipe serves as a strong foundation for future culinary endeavors. Focusing on quality ingredients will significantly enhance the taste. Minor alterations can drastically enhance the dish’s flavor profile.

1. Use fresh herbs:

   Fresh basil and oregano will elevate the flavor profile of the sauce significantly.

2. Don’t overcook the pasta:

   Al dente pasta is crucial for the best texture.

3. Simmer the sauce:

   Allowing the sauce to simmer develops a richer, deeper flavor.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning:

   Seasoning should be tailored to personal preference.

5. Add vegetables:
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   Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.

6. Use high-quality tomatoes:

   The quality of the tomatoes directly impacts the taste of the sauce.

7. Grate some Parmesan cheese:

   A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the richness of the dish.

The success of this easy marinara pasta recipe hinges upon attention to detail. Paying close attention to cooking times and seasoning will produce optimal results. Experimentation is encouraged to discover personalized preferences. The simplicity of the recipe allows for creativity and improvisation. Minor adjustments can substantially enhance the final dish.

The recipe’s adaptability allows for customization, making it a versatile option for a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. The focus on fresh ingredients provides a nutritional advantage over many processed alternatives. This recipe presents a valuable culinary skill that can be built upon for future cooking endeavors. It is a cornerstone for developing more intricate pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Marinara Pasta Recipe

This section addresses common queries related to this simple recipe, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience. Understanding the nuances of the recipe will lead to better outcomes. The clarity and accessibility of the answers will empower cooks of all skill levels. This section aims to proactively address potential challenges and concerns.

• Can I use jarred marinara sauce instead of making my own?

  Yes, you can use jarred marinara sauce as a shortcut, though homemade sauce often has a more vibrant flavor.

• What type of pasta works best?

  Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, and other similar pasta shapes all work well.

• Can I add meat to this recipe?

  Yes, ground beef, Italian sausage, or meatballs can be added for a heartier meal.

• How can I store leftovers?

  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze this recipe?

  Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing.

The straightforward nature of this recipe facilitates ease of understanding and execution. The detailed instructions coupled with frequent questions and answers ensure a successful cooking experience. The recipe’s accessibility makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. This dish serves as a foundation for developing a wider culinary repertoire.

In conclusion, this easy marinara pasta recipe provides a delicious and accessible meal option for any skill level. Its simplicity and versatility make it a valuable addition to anyone’s culinary repertoire. The combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward instructions leads to a satisfying and flavorful result. Enjoy!

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