Classic Spaghetti Marinara 🍅🧄🌿🍝 Bright, Saucy, and Comforting With a Deep Tomato-Garlic Base

This is the go-to red sauce — slow-cooked flavor, minimal ingredients, and total comfort in a bowl. Made with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, it’s the foundation for countless Italian meals and perfect all on its own.

Serve it with spaghetti, spoon it over chicken, or batch it for the freezer — it’s pure versatility.

Ingredients (Makes ~4 servings of sauce)

Base aromatics

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
• Optional: ½ small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Tomato & herbs

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano if possible)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Optional: 1 bay leaf or pinch of fennel seeds

Finishing touches

• 1 tbsp butter or extra olive oil (optional for richness)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté aromatics
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic (and onion if using) and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant, stirring frequently — do not let garlic brown.

Step 2: Add tomatoes & season
Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Add bay leaf or fennel if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Simmer low and slow
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. The sauce should reduce and darken slightly in color.

Step 4: Finish the sauce
Remove bay leaf if used. Stir in butter or a splash of olive oil for gloss. Add fresh herbs if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Serve or store
Serve over hot cooked spaghetti with Parmesan, or cool and store in the fridge for up to 5 days (or freeze for up to 2 months).

Flavor Variations

• Add olives, capers, or anchovy paste for a briny twist
• Stir in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness
• Use red wine (¼ cup) in place of some tomato for deeper flavor
• Add mushrooms or spinach to bulk it up
• For a spicier arrabbiata-style version, double the red pepper flakes

Pro Tips

• Slice garlic thinly for mellow flavor, mince for sharp bite
• Don’t rush the simmer — that’s where the richness develops
• Add a pinch of sugar only if needed — taste first
• Use high-quality canned tomatoes; they make all the difference
• Blend the sauce if you want it silky-smooth

Final Thoughts

Classic Spaghetti Marinara is the blueprint of great red sauce: simple, bold, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you use it straight or build on it, this one belongs in your regular rotation.

Simmer it. Swirl it. Savor the red-sauced comfort. 🍅🧄🌿🍝

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