THE SPICE MAGIC KITCHEN
Marinara pasta with dried basil
A pantry sauce. A generous bowl.
Turn a can of tomatoes into a bowl worth sitting down for. Onion, garlic and dried basil simmer into a simple sauce that clings to penne—no fresh herbs needed.
Images are AI-generated serving illustrations; actual portions and results may vary.
GET EVERYTHING READY
Everything you’ll need.
For 2 servings. Tap each ingredient as you get it ready.
Use the written amounts, not the portions shown in the illustrations. US volume and weight equivalents are approximate.
What equipment do I need?
Wide stainless-steel sauté pan, pasta pot, colander and spoon.
The recipe at a glance.
See the sequence, then follow the full instructions below.
FOLLOW ALONG
4 simple steps.
One delicious result.
Illustrative preparation stage 1 Soften the onion
Medium heat
Have ready1 tbsp oil · ½ chopped onion · 2 garlic cloves
- Warm the oil in a sauté pan.
- Cook onion for 5–6 minutes, stirring.
- Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
Illustrative preparation stage 2 Simmer the sauce
Gentle simmer, uncovered
Have ready400 g / 14 oz crushed tomatoes · 1½ tsp dried basil · ¼ tsp salt
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil and salt.
- Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Why this step matters
Dried basil needs moisture and a little time to soften and flavor the sauce.
SPICE MAGICDried Basil Leaves SeasoningView this spice →Next: Cook the pasta ↓Illustrative preparation stage 3 Cook the pasta
Boiling water · while the sauce simmers
Have ready225 g / 8 oz dry penne · water and salt
- While the sauce simmers, boil pasta in a separate pot of salted water following its package timing.
- Reserve ½ cup / 120 ml pasta water before draining.
Illustrative preparation stage 4 Toss and serve
Low heat
Have readyDrained pasta · reserved pasta water, a spoonful at a time
- Add drained pasta to the sauce over low heat.
- Toss for 1–2 minutes.
- Add reserved water a tablespoon at a time only if needed.
- Taste and adjust salt.
AT THE TABLE
A few good things alongside.
Crisp green salad
Grated Parmesan
Grilled zucchini
AI-generated serving suggestions. Side dishes are separate from the recipe quantities.
A few things worth knowing.
Ingredients and allergens
Contains wheat unless you use suitable gluten-free pasta. Optional Parmesan served alongside contains milk; choose vegetarian Parmesan-style cheese if needed.
Kitchen tip 2
Pasta cooks while the sauce simmers, so the times overlap. This is a dried-basil recipe draft, not a tested recipe.
FROM YOUR SPICE SHELF