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Ingredients
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Pasta
Marinara Sauce
Method
Cooking Pasta
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tsp of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
Cook Penne Pasta
Once the water is boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes or until al dente.
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse.
Making Marinara Sauce
Sauté Garlic
Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the heated oil and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and add 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1 tsp of sugar, 0.5 tsp of salt, and 0.25 tsp of black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Simmer Sauce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finish Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in 0.25 cups of chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Combine and Serve
Add the drained penne pasta to the marinara sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve hot with additional basil if desired.