Once 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 kind of kitchen staples I make on repeat. This model is fast, straightforward, and made with easy pantry substances—however the taste is wealthy, brilliant, and completely balanced. I’m actually choosy in regards to the model of tomatoes I exploit, and I all the time get one of the best outcomes with Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes (the inexperienced label). In case 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 selfmade marinara is lighter, has fewer energy, and no added sugar—simply actual substances and daring taste.
It’s excellent with lasagna, turkey meatballs, layered into rooster parmesan, or spooned over pasta.
Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce
I’ve been making this straightforward marinara sauce for years as an alternative of shopping for jarred sauce. It’s so versatile and utilized in so a lot of my recipes. Right here’s why it really works!
- Prepared in below 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 publish in 2025 after updating the photographs, and simplifying the steps—it’s nonetheless my go-to marinara!
Substances You’ll Want
Right here’s all the things you 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 – Traditional marinara taste
- Pink pepper flakes – Elective, for a contact of warmth
- Bay go away – for delicate taste
- Contemporary basil – Stirred in on the finish for a brilliant, herby end
The way to Make Marinara Sauce
Right here’s the step-by-step photographs. See recipe card under for printable instructions.
- Sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, warmth olive oil over medium warmth. Add smashed garlic and prepare 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 purple pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and cut back warmth to low.
- Simmer: Cut back warmth to low, cowl and simmer for 15 to twenty minutes, stirring sometimes, till thickened barely and flavorful.
- End with basil: Stir in recent basil. Style and regulate 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.
Marinara vs. Tomato Sauce: What’s the Distinction?
Whereas the phrases are generally used interchangeably, marinara sauce and tomato sauce aren’t fairly the identical.
- Marinara sauce is a quick-cooked sauce made with just some substances—sometimes crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s mild, recent, and cooks in below half-hour.
- Tomato sauce (also called sugo or Sunday sauce) is normally simmered longer and should embody onions, tomato paste, carrots, celery, wine, and even meat. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and extra advanced.
In case you’re quick on time or in search of a lighter possibility, marinara is the best way to go! However if you need a richer, slow-simmered sauce for a comfortable Sunday dinner, tomato sauce is perhaps the higher match.
Extra Methods to Use Marinara Sauce
That is one of the best marinara sauce for fast weeknight meals. Right here’s just a few methods you may get pleasure from it:
FAQs
Listed here are a few of the most typical questions I’ve obtained about this recipe—answered multi function place!
Sure! This sauce freezes fantastically. Let it cool utterly, then retailer in hermetic containers or freezer-safe luggage for as much as 3 months. I wish to portion it out in silicone trays so it’s straightforward to reheat simply what I would like.
Not precisely. Marinara is a quick-cooked sauce made with simply tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Tomato sauce (or sugo) is usually simmered longer and should embody onions, wine, and even meat. Marinara is lighter and quicker—excellent for on a regular basis meals.
Completely. It makes an excellent pizza sauce! In case you prefer it a bit thicker, simply simmer it just a few further minutes to scale back it down earlier than spreading in your dough.
Sure! Whereas this recipe retains it easy, you may sauté finely chopped onion, carrots, and even celery with the garlic for extra depth of taste. It provides a pleasant contact when you’ve got just a few further minutes.
Typically tomatoes could be a bit sharp (which is why I swear by Tuttorosso). If that occurs, attempt stirring in a pinch of sugar—or a small pinch of baking soda—to mellow it out.
Extra Tomato Sauce Recipes
In case you love this marinara sauce, take a look at 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 purple pepper flakes, (if utilizing) and bay leaf. Stir and cut 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