Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe for Authentic Italian Flavor
A quick and easy marinara sauce bursting with authentic Italian flavors, perfect for pasta, dipping, pizza, and more. Made with simple pantry ingredients and fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 4 servings) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 28 ounces (800g) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- A handful fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water or vegetable broth (optional)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté gently for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Avoid browning the garlic.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine. Add 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth if the tomatoes are very thick.
- Season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Add the torn fresh basil leaves during the last 5 minutes of cooking and stir in.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add 1 teaspoon sugar if the sauce is too acidic. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately with pasta or let cool and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
Avoid overheating garlic to prevent bitterness. Simmer sauce uncovered with a partially covered lid to prevent splattering and allow thickening. Stir gently to preserve tomato texture. If sauce is too watery, increase heat slightly and cook down further. Use San Marzano tomatoes for best flavor. Fresh basil added at the end keeps aroma vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125 ml)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 0.4
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 2
Keywords: marinara sauce, homemade marinara, Italian sauce, easy marinara, tomato sauce, pasta sauce, vegan sauce, gluten-free sauce