Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Sandra Lee-inspired spaghetti recipe is your ultimate solution for a mouthwatering dinner that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a tired parent, or simply someone who loves amazing food without complex cooking techniques, this recipe is your golden ticket to a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will enhance the flavor of the spaghetti as it cooks.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 12 oz of spaghetti to the pot. Stir the spaghetti occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. Taste a strand to check for doneness.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, pour 1 jar of marinara sauce into a medium saucepan. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest in a colander.
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot and add the warmed marinara sauce. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the spaghetti and toss to coat evenly. This will add flavor and help prevent sticking.
- Season the spaghetti with salt to taste, mixing well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- To serve, divide the spaghetti among four plates. Generously sprinkle 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over each serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added flavor. Enjoy your delicious spaghetti!
Tips
- Salt Your Water Generously: The key to flavorful pasta starts with well-salted boiling water. It should taste like seawater to ensure your spaghetti is seasoned from the inside out.
- Cook Al Dente: Always aim for al dente pasta, which means "to the tooth" in Italian. It should have a slight firmness when bitten, not mushy or overcooked.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is liquid gold for creating a perfect sauce consistency. Always save a little before draining.
- Warm Your Sauce Separately: Heating the marinara sauce in a separate pan ensures even warmth and allows flavors to meld together.
- Finish Pasta in the Sauce: Tossing the pasta in the sauce for the last minute of cooking helps it absorb more flavor and creates a more cohesive dish.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan: Fresh, high-quality grated Parmesan can elevate this simple dish from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 460kcal
Carbohydrates: 71g
Protein: 20g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
