Rotini Pasta with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Rotini Pasta with Marinara is a straightforward yet delicious Italian dish that is perfect for a quick dinner on a weeknight or a satisfying lunch. Rotini is a corkscrew-shaped shape, is perfect to hold onto the flavorful, rich marinara sauce, which makes every bite an enjoyable taste. This pasta dish is a perfect combination of tender pasta with a delicious tomato-based sauce providing both nutrition and comfort. If you’re cooking for just one person or feeding a large family the meal is simple to cook and packed with flavour.

Price $12.99
Let’s take a look at how to prepare the necessary ingredients as well as steps needed to make the delicious bowl of Rotini Pasta topped with Marinara!
The ingredients of Rotini Pasta with Marinara Sauce
for Pasta: Pasta:
- 8 oz of Rotini pasta (about half the size of an average 16 OZ box)
- water (for boiling pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for flavoring the water)
for Marinara Sauce: Marinara Sauce:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes that have been crushed by hand)
- 1 cup tomato paste (optional for a more pronounced flavor)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried, smoky basil
- 1 teaspoon of red pepperflakes (optional for just a hint of spice)
- Salt and Pepper (to the taste)
- 1 cup sugar (optional can be used, it helps cut acidity)
- The fresh leaves of basil (for ornamental purposes, but not required)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional to be used as a topping)
Instructions for Making Rotini Pasta using Marinara Sauce
Step 1 Make your Rotini Pasta
- Boil the water In a large pot prepare 4 to 6 cups of water to boiling. Then, add one tablespoon salt to the water (this will help to season to the pasta).
- Prepare the Pasta Add the pasta rotini pasta to boiling water. Follow the directions on the packet (usually approximately about 8-10 mins) till the pasta has reached al al dente (firm and firm to bite).
- Clean the Pasta After cooking it is time to drain the pasta using a colander. Save one cup of noodles liquid (about 14 cup) to add to the sauce, if required. Put it aside.
Second Step: Make Marinara Sauce Marinara Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic In a large pot heating 2 tablespoons olive oil at medium-low temperature. Once the oil is hot, add chopped garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant with golden color (be cautious not to cause the garlic to burn).
- Add the tomatoes: Mix the chopped tomatoes (with the juices) to the pan. Add tomatoes paste (if you are using) to make a thicker sauce.
- Season the sauce by adding oregano, basil and red pepper flake (if making use of) as well as salt and pepper according to your preference. The sauce should simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Should you like a more sweet sauce, stir into the sugar in 1 teaspoon to counterbalance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce If the sauce is too thick, you may mix in a small amount the remaining pasta liquid for it to let loosen and smooth it out.
Third Step: Mix the Pasta with Sauce
- Mix both the Pasta and Sauce: After the marinara sauce has simmered and has developed its flavor then include the cooked Rotini pasta to the sauce. Stir it gently, coating the pasta evenly in the sauce. If you’d like the sauce, cook it for a couple of minutes so that the flavors to mix.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Pasta Place the pasta into bowls of individual portions.
- Garnish and serve Garnish with freshly trimmed basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese If you’d like. Serve right away and have fun!
Nutrition Details (Per Serving)
Here’s an approximate breakdown of nutrition to Rotini Pasta that includes Marinara (1 portion that is based on four servings):
| Nutrient | The Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 9 grams |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 50 grams |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Variations and add-ins that are optional
- Protein Enhance: Include cooked cooked and grilled chicken, meatballs and Italian sausage for a more substantial dish.
- vegetarian version: To make a veggie-rich version you can add some zucchini, bell peppers and mushrooms to the marinara sauce when it cooks.
- Vegan version You can skip any Parmesan cheese or opt for dairy-free alternatives for making the recipe vegan.
- The Spicy version: Add a few red pepper chips and even a splash of hot sauce to add some spice.
Conclusion
Rotini Pasta with Marinara is a classic and satisfying dish that brings comfort and taste together. With its soft corkscrew pasta and delicious marinara sauce it’s a breeze to prepare and can be modified in a variety of ways to meet your personal preferences. No matter if you’re cooking it for yourself or entertaining a large group it’s sure to be a hit!
It’s an excellent choice for vegetarians, and makes a great base for meats and other vegetables. The best part is that it’s an affordable dish that can be made within 30 minutes or less.






