This easy Homemade Marinara Sauce is made from just a handful of ingredients. It's a delicious versatile sauce to use anywhere you'd use a jar sauce.
It's handy to have a jar of pasta sauce in the pantry. There are so many ways to quickly turn it into a meal.
This simple marinara sauce is made with basic pantry ingredients and it's easy to make in less than 30 minutes.
Perfect homemade marinara sauce with so many favorite ways to use it! And it's a low calorie sauce for anything from pasta to proteins.
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What is Marinara Sauce?
Classic marinara sauce is believed to have originates in southern Italy. The name marinara means 'mariner' or sailor-style referring to the sauce being used on seafaring voyages by Italian sailors. The sauce was developed in the 1700's after traders introduced tomatoes to Italy.
Marinara is a type of tomato sauce. It's a simple sauce and it's a thinner sauce by design. It can be used on pasta, in pasta dishes but is also popular as a fish sauce. There are lots of ways to use it and we share some favorites below.
The best marinara sauce is just a handful of simple ingredients. Tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes usually), fresh garlic, basil, extra virgin olive oil and salt. Onion is also very popular as are other herbs.
It's a very easy sauce to make at home to use for pizza sauce, as a dipping sauce, and pasta sauce.
Difference between Marinara and Spaghetti Sauce?
Spaghetti Sauce is a type of marinara sauce. It usually includes meat and other ingredients like tomato paste, tomato puree or whole tomatoes. It is thicker than traditional marinara sauce.
This easy marinara sauce recipe can be used in place of spaghetti sauce. And like any authentic marinara sauce can be a base to modify with your favorite additional ingredients.
What makes this skinny?
- simple wholesome ingredients
- no brown sugar added which can be added to pasta sauces
- usually uses up to ¼ cup of olive oil; this recipe uses 1 tablespoon
- vegetable and herb only sauce
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Olive oil. Used for sautéing the onion.
Yellow onion. Use a medium onion, finely chopped.
Garlic cloves. You'll use three garlic cloves, diced.
Dried Basil. Basil is a signature flavor in marinara sauce. We use dried basil which is easy and cooks with the rest of the ingredients.
Dried Oregano. Another favorite Italian spice.
Salt. We recommend kosher salt which is a less salty flavored salt.
Black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper has the best flavor.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes. Instead of fresh tomatoes this recipe uses crushed tomatoes. If possible use San Marzano tomatoes (a type Italian tomatoes). They are a low acid less watery tomato with great flavor. Any crushed tomatoes will work!
Variations
Using fresh herbs. Some marinara recipes call for fresh basil leaves which can be substituted. Omit the dried basil and stir in 1-4 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil after the sauce has cooked.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives the sauce a bit of a kick.
Add some red wine. Some versions include a splash of red wine. Most of the alcohol evaporates and it adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
Try different herbs. Using Italian Seasoning or other classic herbs you love (thyme, rosemary, etc).
How to Make it - Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Sauté
Heat a large pan over medium heat with the olive oil. When the surface of the oil is rippling add the onions (photo 1). Sauté until they have softened and are becoming translucent.
Add the garlic, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Sauté until the garlic become fragrant (30-60 seconds) (photos 2-3).
STEP 2. Simmer the sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes (photo 4) and bring the mixture to a gently boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes stirring periodically.
Salt and pepper to taste before serving.
How to make a smooth sauce
The end marinara sauce will have a slight texture. If you want it completely smooth marinara sauce use an immersion blender or regular blender to process it until it is the desired consistency.
How to use Marinara Sauce
Your own marinara sauce can be used anywhere you'd use the jarred stuff.
Pasta. Use it over your favorite pasta or Zoodles (zucchini noodles) or other favorite vegetable noodles (spaghetti squash for instance)
Over protein. It's a great sauce over cooked chicken breasts or white fist.
How to Store it
After it cools store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
How to Freeze it
Allow the sauce to fully cool. Add to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bag (squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing) and freeze for up to 4 months.
We recommend freezing a full batch (one recipe worth) as that is the standard amount of sauce found in purchases jar sauces. So it can be swapped into recipes calling for that amount.
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Recipe
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for final seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more for final seasoning
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
Instructions
- Add the olive oil to a large sauce pan and heat over medium high heat.
- When the oils surface is rippling add the onion. Sauté until translucent and softened.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds.
- Add the basil, oregano, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring it to a low boil then reduce the heat to medium-low or low to allow the sauce to gently simmer. NOTE: it can be partially covered to avoid splattering if desired.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes. Salt to taste and use as desired.
- If a fully smooth texture is desired, use an immersion blender to process the sauce into the desired texture.
Betsy says
Delicious marinara! Totally doesn't need the added sugar. I don't understand why so many people insist on adding sugar to pasta sauce anyway... if the sauce is too sour that tells me I need to add more seasoning or some richness in the form of good parm! Great proportions and easy to follow instructions. My 11 year old could easily make this! <3
Jen says
Loved this sauce!! Everything about it was perfect!
Kara says
Served it over pasta with meatballs and it was a huge hit! I had a little bit left over, and used it to make mini pizzas for me and my daughter the next day. That was also tasty!
Natalie says
Absolutely love this homemade marinara. It's the best! Lovely texture and flavors.
Gwynn says
Nothing compares to a homemade marinara sauce and I love that this one is ready in just 25 minutes. And it's so delicious too!
Dannii says
You can't beat homemade marinara. So much better than store bought.
Teodora Grujic says
Yum! Perfect recipe, thank you so much for sharing!
Stacey says
Fresh is always better than the stuff from the can. Love the idea of adding a little bit of red wine to this sauce!
Wilhelmina says
This sauce is so easy and versatile! I can make up a batch and then customize it to whatever I am making. Delicious!
cate says
This came together so easily and was so so good!
Jessica Burgess says
Ok ok... so my youngest is the ultimate judge of good spaghetti... and I'm happy to report that he LOVED our spaghetti using this marinara sauce! Woo hoo! Thank you!
Julia says
Such a great recipe to add to our regular rotation. Quick, easy and delicious!
Karen Schott says
This is so fresh and delicious! Great flavor!