After I want a fast, no-fuss sauce, this marinara is the one I make. It’s garlicky, made with pantry staples, and prepared in 20 minutes—nice for pasta, pizza, and meatballs.
Do-it-yourself Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a type of kitchen staples I make on repeat. This model is fast, simple, and made with easy pantry substances—however the taste is wealthy, shiny, and completely balanced. I’m actually choosy in regards to the model of tomatoes I exploit, and I all the time get the very best outcomes with Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes (the inexperienced label). When you have a favourite you’re loyal to, go for it—San Marzano is one other nice possibility. And in contrast to many store-bought jars, this do-it-yourself marinara is lighter, has fewer energy, and no added sugar—simply actual substances and daring taste.
It’s good with lasagna, turkey meatballs, layered into rooster parmesan, or spooned over pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce
I’ve been making this simple marinara sauce for years as a substitute of shopping for jarred sauce. It’s so versatile and utilized in so lots of my recipes. Right here’s why it really works!
- Prepared in underneath 20 minutes
- Made with pantry staples
- Naturally lighter than store-bought sauces
- No added sugar
- Freezer-friendly
- Versatile—apply it to pasta, pizza, meatballs, and extra
Initially printed in 2011. I up to date this put up in 2025 after updating the images, and simplifying the steps—it’s nonetheless my go-to marinara!
Components You’ll Want
Right here’s all the pieces you might want to make this fast tomato sauce. See recipe card under for measurements.
- Olive oil – For a wealthy, genuine Italian base
- Garlic – Provides depth and basic taste
- Crushed tomatoes – I exploit Tuttorosso (inexperienced label); San Marzano tomatoes is one other nice possibility
- Kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning
- Dried oregano – Basic marinara taste
- Pink pepper flakes – Non-compulsory, for a contact of warmth
- Bay go away – for delicate taste
- Recent basil – Stirred in on the finish for a shiny, herby end
Learn how to Make Marinara Sauce
Right here’s the step-by-step images. See recipe card under for printable instructions.
- Sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, warmth olive oil over medium warmth. Add smashed garlic and cook dinner till aromatic, about 30 to 60 seconds—don’t let it burn.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir within the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, crushed crimson pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and scale back warmth to low.
- Simmer: Scale back warmth to low, cowl and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, stirring often, till thickened barely and flavorful.
- End with basil: Stir in recent basil. Style and modify seasoning as wanted.
Storage Ideas
- Fridge: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge as much as 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in parts for as much as 3 months. I really like freezing them in these Souper Cubes.
- Reheat: Heat on the range or microwave till heated by means of.
Marinara vs. Tomato Sauce: What’s the Distinction?
Whereas the phrases are typically used interchangeably, marinara sauce and tomato sauce aren’t fairly the identical.
- Marinara sauce is a quick-cooked sauce made with only a few substances—usually crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s mild, recent, and cooks in underneath half-hour.
- Tomato sauce (often known as sugo or Sunday sauce) is often simmered longer and should embody onions, tomato paste, carrots, celery, wine, and even meat. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and extra complicated.
If you happen to’re quick on time or on the lookout for a lighter possibility, marinara is the way in which to go! However in order for you a richer, slow-simmered sauce for a comfy Sunday dinner, tomato sauce could be the higher match.
Extra Methods to Use Marinara Sauce
That is the very best marinara sauce for fast weeknight meals. Right here’s a couple of methods you’ll be able to get pleasure from it:
FAQs
Listed below are a number of the most typical questions I’ve acquired about this recipe—answered multi function place!
Sure! This sauce freezes superbly. Let it cool fully, then retailer in hermetic containers or freezer-safe baggage for as much as 3 months. I prefer to portion it out in silicone trays so it’s simple to reheat simply what I want.
Not precisely. Marinara is a quick-cooked sauce made with simply tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Tomato sauce (or sugo) is often simmered longer and should embody onions, wine, and even meat. Marinara is lighter and quicker—good for on a regular basis meals.
Completely. It makes a terrific pizza sauce! If you happen to prefer it a bit thicker, simply simmer it a couple of additional minutes to scale back it down earlier than spreading in your dough.
Sure! Whereas this recipe retains it easy, you’ll be able to sauté finely chopped onion, carrots, and even celery with the garlic for extra depth of taste. It provides a pleasant contact you probably have a couple of additional minutes.
Typically tomatoes generally is a bit sharp (which is why I swear by Tuttorosso). If that occurs, strive stirring in a pinch of sugar—or a small pinch of baking soda—to mellow it out.
Extra Tomato Sauce Recipes
If you happen to love this marinara sauce, try these 5 tomato sauce recipes:
Yield: 6 servings
Serving Dimension: 1 /2 cup
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In a medium pot or deep skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium warmth.
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Add garlic and saute till golden, 30 to 60 seconds, being cautious to not burn.
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Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, oregano, crushed crimson pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and scale back warmth to low.
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Cowl and let simmer about 15 to twenty minutes.
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Take away from warmth and add recent basil.
Final Step:
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Refrigerate in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days. Freeze for as much as 3 months.
Serving: 1 /2 cup, Energy: 53 kcal, Carbohydrates: 9.5 g, Fats: 1 g, Sodium: 282 mg, Fiber: 0.25 g, Sugar: 4.5 g
