If you’re craving a rich, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious tomato sauce that can elevate any pasta night, you’ve just found your new go-to with this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe. This classic sauce is bursting with fresh garlic, fragrant basil, and perfectly ripe tomatoes, coming together in a way that feels both homemade and indulgent. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned cook, this sauce whips up quickly and can transform simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right balance starts with a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. Every item on the list plays a crucial role in shaping the sauce’s texture, flavor, and aroma, making it wholesome and inviting.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky richness and is the perfect base for sautéing the garlic.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings that unmistakable punch of savory warmth that marinara is known for.
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of this sauce, providing body, sweetness, and acidity in perfect harmony.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces a subtle earthy note that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick that livens up the sauce without overpowering it.
- 3 sprigs fresh basil (+ more for serving): Fresh herbs that infuse the sauce with bright, refreshing flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to taste): Balances the natural acidity of the tomatoes with a hint of sweetness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring everything together and enhance the overall flavor.
How to Make Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Olive Oil
Start by warming your olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. The moment you hear the garlic begin to sizzle, give it a gentle stir and let it cook for just about 30 seconds. This step kicks off the flavor by coaxing out garlic’s natural oils, creating an aromatic foundation for the sauce without burning it, which would bring bitterness.
Step 2: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Herbs
Now it’s time to stir in the crushed tomatoes alongside the dried oregano and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Nestle in the fresh basil sprigs carefully to let their fragrance meld with the tomatoes as the sauce simmers. This mixture starts building the classic marinara flavor profile that we all adore.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low, allowing the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow, gentle simmer helps the flavors deepen without the sauce splattering all over your stovetop. The tomatoes reduce and thicken, concentrating their sweetness and creating a luscious consistency that’s fantastic for coating pasta or dipping bread.
Step 4: Season and Adjust
Once the simmering is done, fish out the basil sprigs and season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and see if it needs a touch of sugar to soften the acidity – start with 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Feel free to add fresh torn basil leaves on top when serving for a bright, fresh burst. If the sauce is thicker than you want, a splash of dry wine or warm pasta water can thin it out beautifully without diluting the flavor.
How to Serve Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The easiest way to elevate your marinara is with fresh garnishes. A sprinkle of torn basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or some freshly grated Parmesan cheese can instantly turn your sauce from simple to spectacular. These little touches provide bursts of freshness and richness that complement the sauce’s natural zest.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes beyond pasta. Think crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit, a vibrant green salad to balance the acidity, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for a wholesome meal. The versatility of this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe makes it a perfect centerpiece or side companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not use this sauce as a base for pizza or a baked dip topped with melted mozzarella? It’s also fantastic spooned over grilled chicken or as a dipping sauce for crispy fried mozzarella sticks. Let your imagination run wild — this marinara is your culinary blank canvas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover marinara, no worries — transfer it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick weekday meals.
Freezing
This sauce freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, then pop it into the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy homemade marinara anytime without the fuss of starting from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it seems too thick after thawing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. This easy reheating method preserves the fresh flavors you loved when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll want to peel, seed, and crush them first. Keep in mind fresh tomatoes might result in a slightly different texture and may require longer cooking time to achieve the thickness of canned crushed tomatoes.
Is it necessary to add sugar to the sauce?
Not always, but a small pinch of sugar can help balance out the acidity that comes from the tomatoes. It’s best to taste the sauce first and add sugar gradually to suit your palate.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes! Including crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat, but you can increase the amount if you want more of a kick. Alternatively, adding chopped fresh chili or a splash of hot sauce will spice things up nicely.
How long does this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe keep in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this sauce will last in your fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
You can, but fresh basil brings a vibrant, aromatic freshness that dried basil won’t fully replicate. If you use dried, add it earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to develop.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe truly is one of those recipes that belongs in everyone’s kitchen repertoire. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, bringing the warmth of homemade cooking to any meal. I hope you’ll love making and sharing this sauce as much as I do — trust me, once you try it, your pasta nights will never be the same!
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Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 2.5 cups (serves 6)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce made from simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, it features aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a hint of oregano, simmered to a rich, thick consistency.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 sprigs fresh basil (+ more for serving)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, or more to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Garlic: Add the olive oil and minced garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, stir it and cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn for the best flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Gently add the fresh basil sprigs into the mixture.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Reduce the heat to low to minimize splattering, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld the flavors.
- Season and Finish: Remove the basil sprigs and season the sauce generously with salt and pepper. If it’s too acidic, add sugar in 1/2 teaspoon increments until balanced. For serving, add fresh chopped or torn basil on top. To adjust consistency, thin the sauce with a splash of dry white or red wine, or some hot pasta water if desired.
Notes
- Use crushed tomatoes rather than whole tomatoes for a smoother sauce texture without additional blending.
- The sauce thickens as it simmers, ideal for coating pasta; adjust thickness with wine or pasta water if needed.
- Fresh basil elevates the flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust sugar to balance acidity depending on tomato brand or taste preferences.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, add for a slight kick if desired.
