If you’re looking for that soul-warming, classic Italian comfort food experience, it’s hard to top a great Marinara Sauce. Simple, bursting with fresh tomato flavor, and so incredibly versatile, this sauce can turn even the most ordinary pasta night into something special. Whether you’re spooning it over spaghetti, layering it into lasagna, or using it as a dip for garlic bread, Marinara Sauce often steals the show. And the best part? With just a few pantry staples and a bit of simmer time, you’ll have a rich, red sauce that tastes like it came straight from an Italian kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this Marinara Sauce is how approachable and unfussy the ingredients are. Each one adds something essential—sweetness, earthiness, or a hint of heat—to create a sauce that tastes vibrant and homemade every time.
- Olive Oil: Use good olive oil for richness and that signature Italian aroma right from the start.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Gives lovely sweetness and body to the sauce as it softens and melds with the tomatoes.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp here; garlic provides a punch of savory depth that defines a true Marinara Sauce.
- Crushed Tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): The foundation! Crushed tomatoes create a thick, almost velvety base.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): These add juicy tomato chunks for a rustic, hearty texture.
- Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Delivers earthy, herby flavor that’s classic in Italian sauces.
- Dried Basil (1 tsp): Brings bright, sweet herbal notes and a hint of green color.
- Sugar (1/2 tsp, optional): A little sugar helps balance any acidity from the tomatoes—taste and tweak as you like.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a gentle touch of heat that livens up the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning—add a pinch at first, then more to taste once simmered.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (2 tbsp, chopped, for garnish): A shower of fresh herbs adds color, freshness, and that irresistible aroma at the end.
How to Make Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion looks soft and almost translucent, gently sweetening the whole kitchen. This step builds a lovely flavor foundation for your Marinara Sauce.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—don’t let it brown! This quick flash in the pan unlocks all the wonderful, savory aromas that make Marinara Sauce so comforting.
Step 3: Stir in the Tomatoes
Pour in both the crushed and diced tomatoes, juice and all. You’ll see the sauce come together in a beautiful, chunky base that promises a satisfying, rustic texture. This blend gives you both a thick body and pops of tender tomato bits throughout the Marinara Sauce.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasonings
Now for the magic! Sprinkle in your dried oregano, dried basil, and—if you like—a touch of sugar for balance and a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir everything together so those flavors begin mingling as the sauce simmers.
Step 5: Simmer and Thicken
Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir every so often. You’ll see it slowly thicken, deepen in color, and fill your kitchen with that signature Italian aroma. This is when the Marinara Sauce truly develops its rich character.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Give your sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper is just right). Just before serving, stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for a bright, garden-fresh finish. If you prefer a smoother Marinara Sauce, now’s the time to hit it with an immersion blender.
How to Serve Marinara Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving makes a world of difference—it adds color, lifts the flavors, and gives that restaurant-style flair. For even more impact, try freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil over the top.
Side Dishes
This Marinara Sauce begs to be paired with crusty garlic bread, simple salads, or a bowl of fluffy rice. Of course, tossing it with your favorite pasta noodles is classic, but try it with roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks—the options are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Get a bit playful: pour Marinara Sauce into a shallow bowl and serve as a communal dip with breads and baked appetizers, or use it as a base for homemade pizza night. For a cozy touch, ladle it over polenta or use it as a topping for baked chicken or eggplant Parmesan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marinara Sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge. Allow it to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making those next-day leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for later, Marinara Sauce is freezer-friendly. Cool it completely, then store in freezer-safe containers (leave a little room for expansion) for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your sauce into a saucepan and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s a bit thick after chilling, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating also works for quick meals in a pinch!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe tomatoes make a wonderful Marinara Sauce, especially in peak tomato season. Just chop them up, simmer a bit longer to allow excess liquid to cook off, and taste for sweetness since fresh tomatoes can vary in acidity.
Is this Marinara Sauce spicy?
As written, this recipe is mild, but a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a gentle kick. Adjust the amount to suit your taste or leave them out entirely for a completely mild sauce.
Can I blend the sauce for a smooth texture?
Yes! If you prefer a classic, silky Marinara Sauce, simply use an immersion blender right in the pot, or carefully transfer to a regular blender once cooled a bit. Blend until it reaches your desired smoothness.
Is Marinara Sauce vegan and gluten free?
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten free, making it a perfect option for a wide range of dietary needs. Just be sure to check your canned tomatoes for any added ingredients if you have sensitivities.
What’s the best way to use leftover Marinara Sauce?
The possibilities are endless! Leftovers are perfect for quick pasta meals, topping pizzas, drizzling over grilled veggies, stirring into soups, or even making a batch of shakshuka for breakfast.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made your own Marinara Sauce at home, now’s the time to dive in—nothing compares to the richness, brightness, and pure comfort of a sauce from your own stove. I hope you enjoy every spoonful just as much as I do. Happy cooking!
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Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and versatile Marinara Sauce at home with this easy recipe. This classic Italian tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping with breadsticks. It’s simple, flavorful, and can be customized to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Cook the Sauce: Stir in crushed and diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender for desired consistency.
- Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
