Marinara Sauce Recipe

Homemade marinara is almost as fast and tastes immeasurably better than even the best supermarket sauce — and its made with basic pantry ingredients. All the tricks to a bright red, lively-tasting sauce, made just as it is in the south of Italy (no butter, no onions) are in this recipe. Use a skillet instead of the usual saucepan: the water evaporates quickly, so the tomatoes are just cooked through as the sauce becomes thick. (Our colleagues over at Wirecutter have spent a lot of time testing skillets to find the best on the market. If youre looking to purchase one, check out their skillet guide.) —Julia Moskin

marinara sauce recipe

Homemade Marinara Sauce

marinara sauce recipe

Homemade Marinara Sauce doesn’t get any easier! This requires just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes on the stove for a memorable Italian Marinara.

Prep: 5min

Total: 25min

Yield: 3

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 180 kcal, Carbohydrate 22 g, Protein 5 g, Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 738 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 12 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion (1/2 cup chopped)
  • 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh basil (or parsley, finely minced, plus more to garnish)

Instruction:

  1. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 min). Add minced garlic and stir 1 min, or until fragrant.
  2. Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
  3. Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil then turn off the heat.

Super Simple Marinara Sauce

marinara sauce recipe

This marinara sauce recipe is the best! You’ll only need 5 basic ingredients, and it’s so easy to make. No chopping required! Recipe yields 2 cups sauce (enough for 8 ounces pasta); double if desired.

Prep: 5min

Total: 50min

Yield: 2

Serving Size: 1/2 cup marinara sauce

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1/2 cup marinara sauce, calories 99 calories, Sugar 5.5 g, Sodium 228.8 mg, Fat 7.5 g, Saturated Fat 1.1 g, Trans Fat 0 g, Carbohydrate 8.6 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 1.8 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

Ingredients:

  • 1 large can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes*
  • 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
  • 2 large cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, omit if sensitive to spice)
  • Salt, to taste (if necessary)
  • Optional, for serving: Cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, additional olive oil

Instruction:

  1. In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tomatoes (with their juices), halved onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes (if using).
  2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of oil float free of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally, and use a sturdy wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes against the side of the pot after about 15 minutes has passed.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat and discard the onion. Smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pot with a fork, then stir the smashed garlic into the sauce. Do the same with any tiny onion pieces you might find. Use the wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes to your liking (you can blend this sauce smooth with an immersion blender or stand blender, if desired).
  4. Add salt, to taste (the tomatoes are already pretty salty, so you might just need a pinch). Serve warm. This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Freeze it for up to 6 months.

Marinara Sauce

marinara sauce recipe

Easy homemade Marinara sauce made with canned (or fresh) tomatoes and 6 simple ingredients. It’s healthy and tastier than anything you’ll find in a jar.

Prep: 5min

Total: 20min

Yield: 3

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 215 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 18 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Sodium 767 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 8 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes*
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instruction:

  1. Crush the tomatoes with your hands into a large bowl. Set aside.
  2. Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic. Stir and then add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, and salt.
  3. Turn sauce down to a simmer and cook for at least 15-20 minutes, until the oil on the surface turns a deep orange.

Marinara Sauce the Easy Way | Chef Jean-Pierre

FAQ

What is difference between marinara and spaghetti sauce?

One of the key differences is that pasta sauce is more robust and complex, with a longer ingredient list and rich flavor. Marinara does not typically contain meat (while spaghetti sauce does), giving it a thinner texture. Marinara is traditionally used as a dipping sauce, while pasta sauce is not.

What are the ingredients for a good marinara sauce?

Ingredients
  • 128-ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes, certified D.O.P. if possible.
  • ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil.
  • 7garlic cloves, peeled and slivered.
  • Small dried whole chile, or pinch crushed red pepper flakes.
  • 1teaspoon kosher salt.
  • 1large fresh basil sprig, or ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, more to taste.

What is classic marinara sauce made of?

There are only four basic ingredients for this authentic marinara sauce –canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and fresh basil. Make sure to use the freshest ingredients to make the best homemade marinara sauce. When cooking the garlic, make sure it doesn’t turn dark brown because this will give the sauce an acrid taste.

What makes marinara sauce taste better?

Here’s How To Make Store-Bought Marinara Sauce Better
  1. Build flavor with garlic and onion. Fresh garlic and onion go a long way in a dish, especially marinara. …
  2. Break out the parm rinds. …
  3. Don’t forget the basil. …
  4. Kick it up with Calabrian chili paste. …
  5. It’s better with butter!
About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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