# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz dried spaghetti
→ Marinara Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed by hand
06 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
09 - 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
10 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 1 small bunch fresh basil, leaves torn
→ Garnish
13 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
14 - Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
# Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in tomato paste and cook for an additional minute to deepen flavor.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; stir to combine.
06 - Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors melded.
07 - While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
08 - Stir fresh basil leaves into the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
09 - Toss drained spaghetti with the marinara sauce, adding reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve desired consistency.
10 - Plate immediately and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
