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Easy Gourmet Spaghetti with Jar Sauce

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A quick and comforting spaghetti recipe using jarred tomato sauce, perfect for first apartments and busy lifestyles. Simple ingredients and minimal prep deliver a surprisingly delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add about 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of salt to the water. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  3. Pour in the 24-ounce (680 grams) jar of tomato sauce. Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Just before draining, scoop out 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water and set aside. Drain the pasta in a colander.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Pour in about half of the reserved pasta water and toss well with tongs or a spatula to coat the noodles. Add more water if needed to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  6. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Optionally add 1/4 teaspoon sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
  7. Divide the spaghetti onto plates. Top each serving with about 1 tablespoon (7 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese and scatter fresh basil leaves if desired. Drizzle a little olive oil on top if you like.

Notes

Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness. Salt pasta water generously for better flavor. Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce texture. Use fresh Parmesan for best taste. Adjust seasoning to balance acidity. For dietary adaptations, use gluten-free pasta or vegan Parmesan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti, jar sauce, easy pasta, quick dinner, first apartment meal, simple recipe, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-gourmet-spaghetti-with-jar-sauce-recipe-for-perfect-first-apartments-meal/