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Simple Bulk Spaghetti with Savory Jar Sauce

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A quick, budget-friendly family dinner recipe featuring spaghetti simmered in a flavorful jarred marinara sauce enhanced with fresh garlic, onions, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights and feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) dry spaghetti
  • 2 jars (about 48 oz / 1.36 liters total) jarred marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water (4-6 quarts) to a boil, adding 1 tablespoon salt.
  2. Cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to package directions (8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add both jars of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Drain the spaghetti in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  6. Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in fresh basil or parsley, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optionally drizzled with extra virgin olive oil.

Notes

Do not over-salt pasta water; it should taste like the sea but not too salty. Stir pasta early and often to prevent sticking. Simmer sauce gently on low heat to preserve texture and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh herbs last to maintain flavor and color. Avoid rinsing pasta after draining to keep starch for sauce adherence. For quicker preparation, skip sautéing garlic and onion and warm sauce with herbs instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, jarred marinara sauce, easy dinner, family meal, quick pasta, budget-friendly, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/simple-bulk-spaghetti-with-savory-jar-sauce-easy-family-dinner-recipe/