
Classic marinara is one of those sauces that proves you don't need much to make something truly satisfying. Garlic slowly coaxed in olive oil, hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a handful of torn basil — that's really all it takes to build deep, bright flavor from scratch. The technique here is patient and deliberate: letting the garlic turn pale golden before the tomatoes go in, then simmering until the sauce thickens and the oil rises to the surface, which is the sign you've done it right. Finishing the pasta directly in the sauce with a splash of starchy cooking water is the move that makes everything silky and cohesive rather than just noodles sitting in a pool of tomato. Since every ingredient in this dish is naturally free of pork and pork-derived products, there's no need to scrutinize labels or swap anything out — it's straightforwardly clean from start to finish. A shower of freshly grated Parmesan over the top is optional but highly recommended for that extra savory depth. This is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like it took far more effort than it actually did.
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parmesan cheese
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the kosher salt, then the spaghetti, and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente — tender with a slight resistance at the center, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the spaghetti through a colander and set aside.
While the pasta water heats, pour the canned tomatoes into a large bowl and crush them by hand, breaking them into rough, uneven pieces. Set aside.
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