Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked fettuccine, draped in rich, vibrant marinara sauce that transports you straight to the heart of Italy. This classic Italian dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're a busy home cook craving a quick and delicious dinner or a pasta enthusiast looking for an authentic recipe, this Fettuccine Marinara will become your new go-to comfort food that impresses every single time.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccine pasta to the boiling water, stirring gently to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
- While the pasta is cooking, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet or saucepan. Heat the sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the fettuccine in a colander.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Divide the pasta among four serving plates, and generously top each portion with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from within.
- Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps the marinara cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Cook your pasta just to al dente - it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Use fresh basil if possible - it makes a huge difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the most robust flavor and best melting texture.
- Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the optimal taste and texture of your pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 323kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 10mg
