The Classic Italian Sauce Made Simple
Elevate your pasta nights and ditch the store-bought sauce! This homemade marinara sauce is a symphony of fresh flavors, bursting with sun-ripened tomatoes simmered with fragrant herbs and garlic.
It’s great to make ahead of time, or right when you need it—perfect for mixing with your favorite pasta, like ziti. We also love using it as a dipping sauce for Olive Garden Breadsticks or cheesy Mozzarella Sticks.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- Quick and flavorful. Made with pantry staples and ready in just 30 minutes this marinara sauce is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable. This recipe uses fresh garlic and basil for a vibrant flavor, but it’s also easily customizable. Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Versatile serving options. Marinara sauce makes the perfect dip for appetizers like Mozzarella Bites or Cheesy Zucchini Tots, slather it on pasta, or make a delicious sub with meatballs.
Homemade Marinara Sauce Ingredients
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons) – Creates a rich base and helps the garlic and herbs release their flavors. We use extra virgin olive oil.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Garlic gives the sauce that irresistible aroma and classic Italian flavor. See How to Mince Garlic for tips.
- Crushed tomatoes (2 x 28-ounce cans) – The foundation of the sauce, bringing a fresh, slightly sweet tomato flavor and smooth texture.
- Fresh basil leaves (¼ cup, chopped) – Adds a pop of color and that bright, fresh Italian finish. You may also use 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon) – A classic Italian herb that adds warmth and depth to the sauce. You can also use 1 ½ teaspoons fresh oregano.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Adds balance and flavor to the sauce.
- Onion powder (2 tablespoons) – A quick and easy way to layer in flavor.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons) – Thickens the sauce and adds a concentrated tomato punch.
- Sugar (2 teaspoons)- Sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes. You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar.
- Optional- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How to Make Homemade Marinara Sauce
GARLIC. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
COMBINE. Pour in both cans of crushed tomatoes, along with their juices. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes as they simmer.
- Add the remaining ingredients: chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste, onion powder, tomato paste, sugar, and water. Stir well to combine.
SIMMER. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, partially cover the pot, and simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Once you have reached the desired consistency, serve hot sauce over pasta or with your recipe of choice.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Adding a pinch of sugar, shredded carrots, or a splash of heavy cream can help balance the acidity.
- Be patient. A good marinara needs time to simmer, at least 20-30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Instead of canned tomatoes, use fresh ones. You’ll need about 4-5 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the recipe. See the FAQ for detailed steps.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Use marinara sauce to dip appetizers in, on pasta, pizza, or sub sandwiches.
Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic ,
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Use a large cooking pot. Add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add both cans of tomatoes, including the juice. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes as they cook.
- Mix in the remaining ingredients. Keep the lid off, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once you have reached the desired consistency serve hot sauce over pasta or with your recipe of choice.
- Sauce can be stored in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- Adding a pinch of white or brown sugar, shredded carrots, or a splash of heavy cream can help balance the acidity.
- Be patient. A good marinara needs time to simmer, at least 20-30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 4-5 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the recipe. See the FAQ for detailed steps.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Use marinara sauce to dip appetizers in, on pasta, pizza, or sub sandwiches.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe FAQ
There’s no hard and fast rule, but generally, marinara sauce is a simpler and smoother sauce made primarily with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Spaghetti sauce can include additional ingredients like vegetables, meat, and a wider variety of herbs and spices, creating a thicker and more complex flavor profile.
Use about 4-5 lbs of fresh tomatoes (like Roma or San Marzano tomatoes). Blanch tomatoes in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off. Peel and then crush the tomatoes by hand for a rustic texture. Increase the simmering time by 30-60 minutes to cook off excess water. Since fresh tomatoes vary, you’ll need to season to taste.
Transfer the cooled leftover sauce to an airtight container. Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through before serving.
Let the sauce cool completely to prevent ice crystals and texture changes.
Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
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This recipe was originally published March 2020.
I love all of your recipes! ❤️
None of your recipes have failed me. This sauce is delicious!!
What is 5c amt.?? Thank you.
Very easy and precise instructions. Can’t wait to try it out. Thank you for making it user friendly 😃👍🏼
We love the flavor of this sauce. I make it in my crock pot, easy to prepare and freezes well. No more jar sauce for this family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe