Description
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Melted Mozzarella
Ingredients:
For the Spaghetti:
1 lb spaghetti
Salt for pasta water
For the Marinara Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Cheese:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions:
Cook the Spaghetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Marinara Sauce:
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to develop flavors.
Assemble the Dish:
Place the cooked spaghetti on serving plates.
Spoon a generous amount of marinara sauce over the pasta.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.
Place the plates under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to bubble.
Serve:
Remove the plates from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color.
Enjoy this comforting and cheesy spaghetti with marinara sauce, a classic favorite for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect results. First, ensure your pasta water is heavily salted—it should taste like the sea. This is the only chance to season the pasta itself. While the sauce simmers, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For the assembly, use oven-safe plates or a baking dish. After topping with mozzarella, broil on a high rack, watching closely to prevent burning. The cheese should be melted and spotty brown, not black.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete Italian meal, start with garlic bread or bruschetta. A medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti or Sangiovese complements the tomato sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
How-to Summary
In summary: Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Sauté onion and garlic, then simmer with crushed tomatoes and herbs to create the marinara. Combine pasta and sauce on an oven-safe plate, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly. Finish with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes. Use triple the amount of fresh basil and oregano. Add delicate herbs like fresh basil at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.
How can I make this sauce ahead of time?
The marinara sauce can be made and refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months. Reheat gently before assembling the dish.
My cheese isn’t melting nicely under the broiler. Why?
Ensure you are using pre-shredded mozzarella or a block of low-moisture mozzarella you shred yourself. Fresh, high-moisture mozzarella will release too much water.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheeses that melt well and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely. Browned Italian sausage, meatballs, or even lentils can be added to the sauce during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook only until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly under the broiler.
- Underseasoned Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering. Canned tomatoes often need more salt and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.
- Burning the Garlic: Add garlic after the onions are soft and cook for only 1 minute until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Using the Wrong Cheese: Avoid non-melting cheeses like ricotta or feta for the topping. Stick to mozzarella for the perfect melt.
Conclusion
This Spaghetti with Marinara and Melted Mozzarella is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that masterfully combines simple ingredients. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The key lies in a well-seasoned, simmered sauce and the perfect cheesy finish under the broiler. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customization, making it a reliable and delicious centerpiece for any dinner table.