There’s something timeless and comforting about a good marinara sauce recipe. Whether it’s spooned over pasta, tucked into a lasagna, or used as a dip for warm breadsticks, marinara brings rich, tomatoey warmth to your table. I still remember the first time I made it from scratch—nervous about burning the garlic but blown away by the flavor. You don’t need to be a chef to make this; in fact, with just a few simple ingredients, you’re about to create something that tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Marinara Sauce Recipe
This marinara sauce recipe is a game-changer, especially for new home cooks. First off, the taste—vibrant, fresh, and deeply savory—is unbeatable. Second, it’s incredibly easy: no complicated steps, just one pot. Third, it’s versatile. Use it on pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce. And finally, it’s budget-friendly, using pantry staples that won’t break the bank. Once you’ve made this sauce yourself, you’ll never reach for the jarred kind again.
Marinara Sauce Recipe Origins & Fun Facts
Marinara sauce has a rich Italian heritage—and a few fun facts you might enjoy:
- It originated in Naples, with “marinara” meaning “sailor-style,” as sailors made it with shelf-stable ingredients.
- Authentic versions typically avoid meat and are simmered quickly compared to heartier ragù.
- Tomatoes weren’t always in the recipe—until the New World introduced them to Europe.
- In Italy, marinara is often used to dress pasta or seafood, not just pizza!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Basic Marinara Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Water or broth, as needed for consistency
How to Make Marinara Sauce Recipe Step-by-Step
1. Sauté Your Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant—about 5 minutes.
2. Add Tomato Base: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes. Then add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
3. Simmer the Goodness: Reduce heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. Adjust the Texture: If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Simmer a bit longer if too runny.
5. Season and Taste: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust herbs or sugar if needed.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil: Right before serving, stir in a few torn basil leaves for brightness.
Marinara Sauce Recipe Tips and Twists
Want to master the marinara sauce recipe? Try these pro tips:
Top 5 Tips:
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Sauté onions until golden for sweetness.
- Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes before serving—it deepens the flavor.
- Add a dash of red wine for richness.
- Don’t skip the sugar—it balances the acidity.
3 Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or diced jalapeño.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped mushrooms or zucchini during simmering.
Storing, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Keep your marinara fresh and ready with these tips:
Storage:
Let the sauce cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently to avoid splatters.
Make-Ahead:
This sauce freezes beautifully. Portion into zip bags or containers and freeze up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas for Marinara Sauce Recipe
Your homemade marinara is ready—now how to serve it?
- Classic Pasta Night: Pour over spaghetti and top with Parmesan.
- Dipper Delight: Serve warm with mozzarella sticks or garlic bread.
- Pizza Sauce Base: Spread on dough for a homemade pizza night.
- Meatball Hero: Use it in a sub with meatballs and melty cheese.
- Eggplant Parm: Layer with breaded eggplant and mozzarella.
Marinara Sauce Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes—use about 2 lbs of peeled, crushed tomatoes.
Is this sauce vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally both!
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—just add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
What if my sauce is too acidic?
Try a pinch of baking soda or an extra teaspoon of sugar.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Just use a larger pot and extend the simmer time a bit.
Enjoy Your Marinara Sauce Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce recipe is one of the most rewarding things you’ll do in the kitchen. It’s fast, flexible, and fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. With this trusty recipe in your back pocket, pasta nights and pizza parties will never be the same. Get ready for compliments—you earned them.
Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water if needed, to thin the sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water if sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve your marinara sauce recipe over pasta or store for later.
Notes
Calories: 110
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 280mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Love comfort food and easy recipes? You’re in the right place! Here’s what to try next:
- Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti: This creamy, kid-approved dish is perfect for lazy weeknights.
- Grilled Chicken Wraps: A fresh and hearty lunch that pairs beautifully with leftover marinara.
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna: A rich, indulgent pasta bake—balance it out with a side of tangy marinara!
- Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits: Serve these alongside your pasta dish for an extra cozy touch.
- Stuffed Shells: Perfectly made for cradling that delicious marinara you just whipped up.