Nonna’s Rustic Spaghetti Marinara

Nonna's Rustic Spaghetti Marinara

Craving a comforting Italian dinner? Try Nonna’s Rustic Spaghetti Marinara! This budget-friendly recipe features a flavorful homemade sauce with crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Toss it with al dente spaghetti for a satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. Perfect for a cozy night in or family dinner!

Nonna's Rustic Spaghetti Marinara
Yield: Serves 4

Nonna's Rustic Spaghetti Marinara

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Hey there, food lovers! Cora here, and I'm excited to share one of my all-time favorite budget-friendly recipes with you: Nonna's Rustic Spaghetti Marinara. This dish is a classic Italian comfort food that's perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The best part? It's super easy on your wallet!

This recipe falls into the category of Italian cuisine, and it's a staple in many households for good reason. By using simple, affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, onions, and garlic, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal without spending a fortune. Plus, cooking at home allows you to control the quality of your ingredients and avoid the high costs of dining out.

I love making Nonna's Rustic Spaghetti Marinara because it's a great way to stretch your budget while still enjoying a wholesome, flavorful dish. So, the next time you're craving a comforting pasta dinner, give this recipe a try and savor the delicious taste of homemade Italian goodness!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  2. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the marinara sauce, adding some of the reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Tip: For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese just before tossing the sauce with the pasta.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 260Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 137mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 7g

Note that I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietitian. Any nutritional information on mybudgetrecipes.com is calculated automatically and should only be used as a general guideline.

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