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
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
- 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.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 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.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
- 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.
- 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:
4Serving Size:
1Amount 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.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.