Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, enveloped in a rich, vibrant marinara sauce made from the freshest tomatoes. This Fresh Tomato Marinara Pasta is not just a meal; it's a celebration of Italian cuisine that you can whip up in just 30 minutes! Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting dinner at home, this recipe combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Get ready to discover the secret to an authentic Italian dish that will have your taste buds dancing and your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of garlic and basil!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 6 fresh chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt and pepper to taste, 1 pound of spaghetti, and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water to season it. Add the 1 pound of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the 6 chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Stir well to combine, and let the mixture cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices.
- To balance the acidity of the tomatoes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
- Toss the spaghetti in the sauce, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the pasta. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious Fresh Tomato Marinara Pasta!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: For the best flavor, opt for ripe, in-season tomatoes. Heirloom or Roma tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe.
- Don’t Rush the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until it's fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can give your sauce an unpleasant bitter taste.
- Save the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a secret weapon! Adding a bit of it to your sauce helps it cling to the spaghetti perfectly.
- Fresh Basil is Key: Garnishing with fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor profile of your dish.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust the salt, pepper, and sugar to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Follow the package instructions for cooking the spaghetti, but always taste a minute or two before the suggested time to ensure it’s al dente.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other ingredients like red pepper flakes for heat or olives for a briny twist to customize your marinara sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
