Tomato & Marinara

Farfalle With Marinara Sauce

Name: Farfalle With Marinara Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) farfalle pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

By Felix Holloway · June 19, 2026 · Tomato & Marinara

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Total60 min

Serves4

There's something special about a homemade Italian-American pasta dinner that just feels like coming home. For me, it's the smell of sizzling garlic and the sound of simmering sauce that instantly transports me back to my grandmother's kitchen, where I first learned to cook. One of my favorite dishes from those days is Farfalle With Marinara Sauce, a classic comfort food that never fails to put a smile on everyone's face.

This recipe is more than just a list of ingredients and steps - it's a journey through the flavors and traditions of Italian-American cuisine, adapted for the modern home cook. With its perfectly balanced sauce, al dente pasta, and rich, comforting flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your household, just like it has in mine.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. It's also highly versatile, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. And, of course, it's absolutely delicious, with a depth of flavor that's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

In this recipe, we'll take a closer look at the techniques and ingredients that make Farfalle With Marinara Sauce such a beloved dish. From the importance of using high-quality tomatoes to the secret to achieving perfectly cooked pasta, we'll cover it all. So, let's get started and see how easy it is to make this delicious Italian-American classic in the comfort of your own home.

As we cook our way through this recipe, I'll share some of my own tips and tricks for making it truly special. From the best way to chop garlic to the importance of using a good quality olive oil, we'll explore all the little details that can make a big difference in the final dish. And, of course, we'll talk about the most important ingredient of all: love. Because, as any good cook knows, the secret to a truly great dish is the love and care that goes into making it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner
The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use
It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and toppings
It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to impress your family and friends
It's a budget-friendly recipe that won't break the bank
It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and whole grains

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this recipe work so well? For starters, it's all about the sauce. A good Marinara sauce is the foundation of any great Italian-American pasta dish, and this recipe delivers. By using high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices, we create a rich, tangy sauce that's full of depth and flavor.

But the sauce is just the beginning. The real magic happens when we combine it with our perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. By cooking the pasta until it's just shy of al dente, then finishing it in the sauce with a ladle of starchy pasta water, we create a dish that's both comforting and sophisticated. The starches in the pasta water help to thicken the sauce, creating a creamy, velvety texture that coats every bite of pasta.

And then, of course, there's the matter of seasoning. By layering our flavors throughout the dish, from the initial sauté of garlic and onions to the final sprinkle of parmesan cheese, we create a depth of flavor that's simply irresistible. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite - and it's all thanks to the simple, timeless techniques that make it work so well.

Finally, it's worth noting that this recipe is all about balance. By combining the bright, acidic flavors of the tomatoes with the rich, savory flavors of the pasta and cheese, we create a dish that's both refreshing and satisfying. It's a true classic, and one that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making a great Farfalle With Marinara Sauce, the ingredients are just as important as the techniques. That's why we're using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients in this recipe, from the tender farfalle pasta to the rich, flavorful Marinara sauce.

So, what are the key players in this dish? For starters, we have our farfalle pasta, which provides a fun and playful texture to the dish. Then, of course, there's the Marinara sauce, which is made with a blend of canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and herbs. We're also using some good quality olive oil, which adds a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce. And finally, we have our parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) farfalle pastaLook for high-quality farfalle pasta that's made with durum wheat semolina and has a rough texture to hold onto the sauce
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a good quality olive oil with a fruity flavor to add depth to the sauce
3 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential to this recipe, so be sure to use the best you can find
1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoesSan Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard for Marinara sauce, but any high-quality canned tomatoes will work
1 teaspoon dried basilFresh or dried basil will work in this recipe, but dried basil has a more concentrated flavor
1 teaspoon dried oreganoLike basil, fresh or dried oregano will work, but dried oregano has a more earthy flavor
1/2 teaspoon saltUse a good quality salt like kosher or sea salt to add depth to the sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential to this recipe, so be sure to use a pepper mill
1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheeseUse a high-quality parmesan cheese that's aged for at least 24 months for the best flavor
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, freshness to the dish, so be sure to use the best you can find
1 tablespoon lemon juiceA squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice acidity to the sauce, but be sure not to overdo it

Ingredients for Farfalle With Marinara Sauce

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenColander or strainerLarge skillet or sauté panWooden spoon or silicone spatulaInstant-read thermometerCheese grater or food processor

How to Make Farfalle With Marinara Sauce

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until it's just shy of al dente
2
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's lightly golden and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes
4
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine
5
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it's thickened and reduced slightly, about 15-20 minutes
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the sauce, which should be at least 180°F (82°C) to ensure food safety
7
When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander or strainer and add it to the skillet with the sauce
8
Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some of the starchy pasta water if the sauce seems too thick, until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy and velvety
9
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it's melted and creamy
10
Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice to the skillet and toss to combine
11
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together
12
Serve the pasta hot, topped with additional parmesan cheese and parsley if desired

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh garlic and good quality olive oil, to get the best flavor
Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook a bit after it's drained
Add the starchy pasta water to the sauce gradually, as it can quickly become too thin
Let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes to develop a rich, thick flavor
Use a good quality parmesan cheese that's aged for at least 24 months for the best flavor
Add the parsley and lemon juice just before serving to preserve their bright, fresh flavors
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together
Experiment with different ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken, to add variety to the dish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy and unappetizing
Not using enough salt in the sauce, which can make it taste flat and boring
Not letting the sauce simmer for long enough, which can result in a thin, watery sauce
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish
Not adding the starchy pasta water to the sauce, which can make it too thick and sticky
Not letting the pasta rest before serving, which can make it difficult to serve and can affect the texture

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients
Use different types of pasta, such as penne or linguine, to change up the texture and flavor
Add some grilled chicken or sausage to the dish for added protein and flavor
Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes for a brighter, more acidic flavor
Add some other herbs and spices, such as basil or oregano, to the sauce for added depth and complexity
Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, to change up the flavor and texture
Add some other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or olives, to the dish for added flavor and variety

What to Serve With Farfalle With Marinara Sauce

This dish is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with some grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for added flavor and texture.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include:

Garlic bread: a classic Italian-American side dish that's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser

Roasted vegetables: roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the dish

Green salad: a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great way to cut the richness of the pasta

Garlic breadRoasted vegetablesGreen saladGrilled chicken or sausageSauteed spinach or kaleRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Some tips for storing and reheating this dish include:

Let the dish cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer to prevent the growth of bacteria

Use airtight containers to store the dish and keep it fresh

Reheat the dish gently, as high heat can cause the sauce to break and the pasta to become mushy

Add some extra cheese or herbs to the dish when reheating it to give it a fresh, flavorful taste

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Farfalle pasta is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of pasta such as penne or linguine

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes, but be sure to cook them down until they're soft and the sauce is thickened

How long can I store this dish in the fridge or freezer?

This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months

Can I add other ingredients to the dish, such as chicken or sausage?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the dish, such as grilled chicken or sausage, to add protein and flavor

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin?

You can prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or too thin by adding the starchy pasta water gradually and stirring constantly

Can I make this dish ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it, but be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Parmesan cheese is the traditional choice for this recipe, but you can also use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or ricotta

Can I serve this dish with other sides, such as a green salad or garlic bread?

Yes, you can serve this dish with other sides, such as a green salad or garlic bread, to add variety and contrast to the meal

The Full Recipe

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