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Simple Homemade Marinara Sauce: Your Go-To Recipe for Authentic Italian Flavor

Elevate your home cooking with this incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful Marinara Sauce. Crafted from scratch with just a handful of fresh ingredients, this rich and delicious sauce comes together in minutes, promising a taste that far surpasses any store-bought alternative. Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, layering it in a lasagna, or serving it as a vibrant dipping sauce for appetizers, this homemade marinara is guaranteed to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Unlock endless culinary possibilities with this versatile sauce. Use it to create my effortless Instant Pot Spaghetti, serve it alongside golden Baked Eggplant, or pair it with crispy Fried Ravioli for an irresistible snack or appetizer.

Why Homemade Marinara Sauce is a Game Changer

If pasta features regularly on your weekly meal plan, then discovering the magic of homemade marinara is an absolute must! This simple recipe stands out for its exceptional flavor, vibrant freshness, and surprising ease of preparation. Far superior to generic canned sauces, our homemade version allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring a healthier and more delicious result every time.

Superior Taste and Quality

Store-bought marinara often relies on added sugars, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium to achieve its taste. When you make marinara from scratch, you harness the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic depth of fresh garlic and onion, and the fragrant notes of authentic Italian herbs. This combination creates a sauce that is rich, bright, and intensely satisfying, making every meal feel like a gourmet experience.

Healthier Choice, Customized to Your Liking

One of the biggest advantages of cooking at home is the ability to dictate what goes into your food. This marinara recipe uses minimal, wholesome ingredients, free from the preservatives and unpronounceable additives found in many commercial products. You can adjust the salt content to your dietary needs, choose organic ingredients, and even tailor the spice level to suit your family’s preferences. It’s a sauce that not only tastes good but also makes you feel good about what you’re eating.

Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives

Despite its rich flavor, this marinara sauce is incredibly quick to prepare. With just a single type of crushed tomatoes and a simple blend of seasonings easily found in any pantry, you can have a simmering pot of aromatic sauce ready in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for weeknight dinners when you crave something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring anyone, regardless of their cooking experience, can achieve fantastic results.

The Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Marinara

The beauty of marinara lies in its simplicity. A few high-quality ingredients are all you need to create a truly authentic and delicious sauce. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

Ingredients for the sauce on a white board.

Crushed Tomatoes (28oz can): The heart of your marinara. Opt for good quality crushed tomatoes, ideally San Marzano for their balanced sweetness and low acidity. Crushed tomatoes provide a smooth yet slightly textured base, saving you the step of crushing whole tomatoes yourself.
Onion: A fundamental aromatic that adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when properly sautéed.
Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian aroma and pungent flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the aromatics. Its fruity notes will enhance the overall flavor of the sauce.
Seasoning:
- Dried Oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean herbaceous note.
- Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and a beautiful reddish hue without being spicy.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of various Italian herbs, adding complexity.
- Granulated Sugar (Optional): A small amount can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they are particularly tart.
- Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning to taste and bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the very end, fresh basil adds a burst of vibrant, aromatic freshness that is truly indispensable for authentic marinara.

How to Make Your Simple Marinara Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting this delicious marinara is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect sauce every time:

Prepare Your Base: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. The key here is not to rush; gentle heat allows the flavors to develop properly.
Sauté the Aromatics: Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the warmed olive oil. Sauté them slowly, stirring frequently, until they become soft and translucent, just barely golden. Be careful not to brown or burn the garlic, as this can make the sauce bitter. This step builds the foundational flavor of your marinara.
Bloom the Spices: Introduce your dried herbs – Italian seasoning, dried oregano, paprika, and crushed pepper flakes (if using) – to the pot. Continue to sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Briefly cooking the dried spices in oil “blooms” them, releasing their essential oils and intensifying their flavor, making your sauce incredibly aromatic.

Sauteed onion, garlic and seasoning in a pot.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in the entire 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Marinara is a quick-cooking sauce, so a short simmer is sufficient to meld the flavors without over-reducing the sauce.
Season to Perfection: Taste the sauce and add salt, black pepper, and the optional granulated sugar (to balance acidity) to your preference. Adjust as needed until the flavor profile is just right.

Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in freshly chopped basil. The residual heat will wilt the basil, releasing its aromatic oils and infusing the sauce with vibrant, fresh flavor. Serve immediately or store for later use.

Expert Cooking Tips for the Best Marinara Sauce

Achieving a truly delicious marinara sauce is easy with a few simple techniques. Keep these tips in mind to make your sauce exceptional:

Handle Aromatics with Care: When sautéing the onion and garlic, use medium-low heat. The goal is to soften them and release their sweet flavors without browning or caramelizing. Burnt garlic, in particular, can introduce a harsh, bitter taste to your delicate sauce. Patience here pays off in a sweeter, more nuanced flavor base.
Choose Your Tomatoes Wisely: While this recipe calls for crushed tomatoes for convenience and ideal texture, the quality of your canned tomatoes truly matters. Look for brands that use ripe, flavorful tomatoes, preferably Italian San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet taste and low acidity. If you opt for whole peeled tomatoes, remember you’ll need to crush them by hand or with an immersion blender before or during simmering to achieve the desired consistency.
Activate Your Dried Herbs: Don’t just toss your dried herbs into the simmering tomatoes. Adding dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and paprika to the sautéed aromatics (onion and garlic) for about a minute before adding the tomatoes helps to “bloom” them. This process heats the herbs in oil, intensifying their flavor and aroma, allowing them to fully infuse the sauce. Always add salt, pepper, and sugar (if using) at the end, after the tomatoes have simmered, so you can taste and adjust perfectly.
Balance the Acidity: Tomatoes can vary in acidity. If your sauce tastes a little too tart, a pinch of granulated sugar (as suggested) works wonders to balance it out. Alternatively, a tiny pinch of baking soda can neutralize acidity without adding sweetness, but be careful not to add too much, as it can alter the flavor.
Consider Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs lay the foundation, fresh basil is the crowning glory of marinara. Stir it in right at the end, off the heat. The gentle warmth will coax out its vibrant flavor without cooking it to dullness. Fresh parsley can also be a lovely addition.
Texture Preference: If you prefer a completely smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender to purée the marinara directly in the pot after simmering. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is.

Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Marinara Sauce

Beyond being the perfect companion for any pasta dish, this versatile homemade marinara sauce can transform countless meals. Its robust flavor makes it an indispensable ingredient in a variety of culinary creations:

Classic Pasta Dishes: Toss it with spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or linguine. It’s also the ideal base for baked ziti, lasagna, or manicotti.
Pizza and Calzones: Spread a generous layer over your homemade pizza dough or use it as a flavorful filling for calzones. Its fresh taste will elevate your homemade pizza night.
Dipping Sauce: Serve it warm as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini fritters, arancini, garlic knots, or even simple crusty bread. It’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer accompaniment.
Casseroles and Baked Dishes: Use it as a rich base for baked casseroles like Eggplant Parmesan, chicken parmesan, or meatball subs.
With Proteins: Spoon it over grilled chicken breasts, pan-seared fish, or traditional Italian meatballs and sausages.
Bruschetta Topping: A spoonful of warm marinara on toasted baguette slices with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan makes a quick and elegant appetizer.

Storing Your Homemade Marinara Sauce

One of the best things about making marinara from scratch is that it’s excellent for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or save it for future meals.

Refrigeration: Once your sauce has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or a clean jar with a lid. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: For longer storage, marinara sauce freezes exceptionally well. Portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace if using rigid containers. It can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. When ready to use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Sauce

Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying homemade marinara:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, flavorful garden tomatoes, you can certainly use them. You’ll need to peel and deseed them first, then crush or purée them. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes vary greatly in water content and sweetness, so you might need to adjust simmering time and seasonings accordingly.

How can I make this marinara sauce spicier?

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper with your other dried herbs. Adjust to your desired heat level.

What if my sauce is too thin or too thick?

If your sauce is too thin, simply simmer it uncovered for a longer period, allowing more liquid to evaporate. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of warm water or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this marinara sauce vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this simple marinara sauce recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Always double-check your canned tomato labels for any unexpected additives if you have strict dietary requirements.

More Delicious Homemade Sauce Recipes to Explore

If you loved making this marinara, you’ll enjoy discovering other homemade sauces that can elevate your cooking:

Cheese Sauce for Broccoli (and other dishes!)
Homemade Pizza Sauce
Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Mushroom Sauce (fail-proof recipe)

If you try this incredible marinara sauce recipe and love it as much as we do, please let us know in the comments below! Your feedback and ratings are greatly appreciated and help other home cooks discover this delicious recipe.

Simple Marinara Sauce Recipe Card

Simple Marinara Sauce

Author: Anna

This simple Marinara Sauce is made with five ingredients and ready to use in minutes! Rich in flavors and delicious, this sauce can be served with pasta or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 5 votes)

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 94 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes
28 ounce crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
fresh basil

Instructions

Heat up oil in a deep pot, over medium-low heat. I used a Dutch oven but any saucepan works. (Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil)
Add garlic and onion and saute over medium-low heat just until golden. Stir often. (Ingredients: 1 medium onion, 5 garlic cloves)
Add dried herbs, pepper flakes and paprika. Saute, stirring often, for 1 minute. (Ingredients: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon crushed pepper flakes)
Add crushed tomatoes and stir in. (Ingredients: 28 ounce crushed tomatoes)
Simmer sauce for 4 to 5 minutes.
Add salt, pepper and sugar to taste. (Ingredients: ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar)
Stir in fresh chopped basil. (Ingredients: fresh basil)

Notes

Once done, cool the sauce completely and store it in a jar with a lid, in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 weeks.
Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.

Nutrition

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