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 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 take advantage of, and I all the time get one of the best outcomes with Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes (the inexperienced label). You probably have a favourite you’re loyal to, go for it—San Marzano is one other nice choice. 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 hen 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 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 revealed in 2011. I up to date this submit in 2025 after updating the pictures, and simplifying the steps—it’s nonetheless my go-to marinara!
Components You’ll Want
Right here’s all the things it is advisable 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 take advantage of Tuttorosso (inexperienced label); San Marzano tomatoes is one other nice choice
- Kosher salt and black pepper – For seasoning
- Dried oregano – Traditional marinara taste
- Pink pepper flakes – Optionally available, for a contact of warmth
- Bay depart – for delicate taste
- Contemporary basil – Stirred in on the finish for a brilliant, herby end
How you can Make Marinara Sauce
Right here’s the step-by-step pictures. 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 crimson 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 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 via.
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 just some substances—sometimes crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. It’s gentle, recent, and cooks in underneath half-hour.
- Tomato sauce (also referred to as sugo or Sunday sauce) is often simmered longer and should embrace onions, tomato paste, carrots, celery, wine, and even meat. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and extra complicated.
When you’re brief on time or searching for a lighter choice, marinara is the way in which to go! However if you’d like a richer, slow-simmered sauce for a comfortable Sunday dinner, tomato sauce is likely to be 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 take pleasure in it:
FAQs
Listed here are among the commonest 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 often simmered longer and should embrace onions, wine, and even meat. Marinara is lighter and sooner—excellent for on a regular basis meals.
Completely. It makes an amazing pizza sauce! When 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 you probably have just a few further 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
When you 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 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
