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    Make It Skinny Please » Recipes » Main Dishes » Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe

    Published: Sep 14, 2021 · Modified: Jan 13, 2022 by Toni Dash · 13 Comments

    Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe

    Weight Watchers Points1
    Calories: 74kcal
    Carbs: 12g
    Protein: 3g
    Fats: 3g
    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    homemade marinara sauce title

    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.

    homemade marinara sauce title

    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.

    Jump to:
    • What is Marinara Sauce?
    • Difference between Marinara and Spaghetti Sauce?
    • What makes this skinny?
    • Recipe Ingredients + Notes
    • Variations
    • How to Make it - Step-by-Step
    • How to make a smooth sauce
    • How to use Marinara Sauce
    • How to Store it
    • How to Freeze it
    • More recipes you'll love!
    • Recipe

    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.

    homemade marinara spooning on pasta

    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
    homemade marinara in jar

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    marinara sauce recipe ingredients

    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).

    homemade marinar top of jar

    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).

    marinara sauce recipe steps 1-4

    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.

    homemade marinara sauce in pan

    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.

    homemade marinara sauce with immersion blender

    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.

    homemade marinara close up in jar

    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.

    More recipes you'll love!

    • Mini Meatloaves
    • Low Calorie Banana Bread
    • Instant Pot Zucchini Soup
    • Skinny Margarita

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    Recipe

    homemade marinara sauce on pasta

    Homemade Marinara Sauce

    Weight Watchers Points1
    Click to track Weight Watchers Points
    This delicious easy Marinara Sauce is made with just a few wholesome ingredients and is ready in about 25 minutes. Perfect anywhere you'd use jarred sauce but it tastes so much better!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 29 minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes
    Servings: 6 ½-cup servings (total yield: 3 cups)
    Calories: 74kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    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.

    Notes

    The recipe makes 24 ounces or the equivalent of one jar of pasta sauce.
    Fresh basil can be substituted. Use 1 tablespoons or more fresh basil and stir in at the end of cooking.
    Other herbs can be added: thyme, Italian seasoning mix, a pinch of red chili flakes.
    Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes if available. They are a classic Italian tomato with low acid and high in flavor. 
    Weight Watchers points on previous program (WW SmartPoints):
    Green, Blue and Purple: 1

    Nutrition

    Calories: 74kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 289IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe? Please share it!Mention @MakeItSkinnyPlease or tag #MakeItSkinnyPlease!
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutritional Coach and certified Weight Loss Specialist, writer/blogger, photographer, chief recipe developer and creator of Make It Skinny Please. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her slimmed down recipes using real food ingredients bring excitement to the dining table and never taste like 'diet food'. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Betsy says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:24 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    2. Jen says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:21 pm

      5 stars
      Loved this sauce!! Everything about it was perfect!

      Reply
    3. Kara says

      January 25, 2022 at 8:50 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    4. Natalie says

      January 25, 2022 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely love this homemade marinara. It's the best! Lovely texture and flavors.

      Reply
    5. Gwynn says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    6. Dannii says

      January 25, 2022 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      You can't beat homemade marinara. So much better than store bought.

      Reply
    7. Teodora Grujic says

      January 25, 2022 at 8:47 am

      5 stars
      Yum! Perfect recipe, thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Stacey says

      January 25, 2022 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      Fresh is always better than the stuff from the can. Love the idea of adding a little bit of red wine to this sauce!

      Reply
    9. Wilhelmina says

      September 15, 2021 at 8:00 am

      5 stars
      This sauce is so easy and versatile! I can make up a batch and then customize it to whatever I am making. Delicious!

      Reply
    10. cate says

      September 15, 2021 at 6:02 am

      5 stars
      This came together so easily and was so so good!

      Reply
    11. Jessica Burgess says

      September 14, 2021 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
    12. Julia says

      September 14, 2021 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe to add to our regular rotation. Quick, easy and delicious!

      Reply
    13. Karen Schott says

      September 14, 2021 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      This is so fresh and delicious! Great flavor!

      Reply

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I'm a Certified Nutrition Coach and NASM certified Weight Loss Specialist. I'm excited to share Classic Recipes made more calorie friendly using real food!

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