Perfect Pasta with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe that won't disappoint? This homemade marinara sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta is a simple yet delicious choice to satisfy your cravings. Whether you're having friends over or just enjoying a quiet night in, this dish will make every bite worthwhile.

Before we dive into the details of making this tasty meal, let's consider how many servings it makes and how long it takes to prepare. This pasta recipe serves four people generously and can be prepared in approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• 500 grams of your preferred pasta (penne, fusilli, or any other shape)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (400g each) of crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Instructions

To begin, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This will typically take around 8-12 minutes for most types of pasta.

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.

• Cooking Time: Sautéing the onion - 5-7 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer this mixture for at least 20 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together nicely.

• Cooking Time: Simmering sauce - 20 minutes

Once the pasta is done cooking, use a slotted spoon or a colander to transfer it from the pot into the pan with your marinara sauce. Stir gently so that each strand of pasta gets coated evenly in the sauce.

• Cooking Time: Combining pasta and sauce - 2-3 minutes

Let everything sit together for a couple more minutes to ensure everything is heated through properly. Taste before serving; adjust seasoning as necessary by adding extra salt or pepper if needed.

Garnish and Serve

• Optional Garnishes: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each portion adds a touch of richness to the dish. Alternatively, you could add fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside garlic bread or a mixed green salad to balance out the richness of the pasta and sauce.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer a smoother sauce texture, you can blend half of your crushed tomatoes in a blender before adding them back into the pot. This step is optional but recommended for those who enjoy a creamier consistency without compromising on taste.
• You can also vary this recipe by substituting different types of vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms into the marinara sauce base, making it more nutritious while still maintaining its core appeal.

With these simple steps and some basic ingredients, you've got a hearty yet comforting meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something substantial but don’t have much time or energy left in the kitchen. Share this recipe with family and friends so they too can enjoy this delightful pasta dish!

Cooking Time: Total preparation time - 30 minutes

Servings: This dish yields approximately 4 servings.