Name: Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 small onion, chopped; 28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (canned); 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned); 3 teaspoons dried basil leaves; 1 teaspoon white sugar; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

If you’re craving a sauce that bursts with rich, authentic flavors but doesn’t keep you tied to the stove all day, this Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous notes, made from humble ingredients that come together to create something truly irresistible. Whether you’re pairing it with pasta, layering it on a homemade pizza, or dipping your favorite bread, this sauce brings a delightful taste of Italy right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of several fresh ingredients on a wooden board. There are two whole red tomatoes with green stems on the right side, a small pile of sun-dried tomatoes with a deep red color in the center, and a small mound of finely grated white cheese in the front left. To the far right, there is a whole bulb of garlic with smooth white skin, and a small round white bowl containing a white powder, likely salt, is partially visible. On the far left, there is a fresh green basil leaf and part of a glass bottle filled with golden olive oil. The scene is bright and colorful, showing layers of smooth, shiny tomatoes, dry wrinkled sun-dried tomatoes, soft grated cheese, and garlic with a papery texture, all arranged neatly on a warm wooden surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

It’s amazing how just a handful of straightforward ingredients can come together to create a sauce packed with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the fragrant garlic, the vibrant tomatoes, or the fresh hint of basil that elevates the entire dish.

4 tablespoons Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a smooth richness and helping develop flavor.
4 Garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with its warm, aromatic bite; fresh is best!
1 small Onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and texture to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
28 ounces Whole peeled tomatoes (can): These create the hearty base and give the sauce a rustic, chunky texture when crushed by hand.
28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (can): Provide smoothness and help thicken the sauce for that perfect consistency.
3 teaspoons Dried basil leaves: The signature herb that lends the classic Italian flavor you crave.
1 teaspoon White sugar: Just a touch to neutralize the acidity and enhance natural sweetness.
Salt (to taste): Essential for balancing all the flavors and seasoning the sauce perfectly.
Pepper (to taste): Adds a subtle kick and depth to round out the taste.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by getting everything ready—mince those garlic cloves and chop your onion finely. Having these prepared ahead makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Warm the Olive Oil

Heat your olive oil gently over medium heat in a skillet or saucepan. It should be warm and inviting but never smoking — this is the perfect start for building the sauce’s rich layers.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the warm oil. Cook them slowly until they turn translucent and soft, about 10 minutes, stirring often to avoid burning while coaxing out their natural sweetness and aroma.

Step 4: Crush and Add Whole Tomatoes

Take those whole peeled tomatoes and crush them by hand directly into the pan. This technique gives your sauce a delightful rustic texture, full of character and chunks that sing in every bite.

Step 5: Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes to build on the sauce’s base, then sprinkle in dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. These simple seasonings layer complexity, creating a harmony of tastes that feels both fresh and comforting.

Step 6: Simmer and Stir

Lower the heat and cover your sauce with a lid. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the flavors melding beautifully without any sticking or burning.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust

Once the sauce has thickened slightly and the aromas have deepened, give it a taste. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your palate—the joy of this Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe is customizing it just right for you.

Step 8: Serve or Store

Your sauce is ready to shine! Use it immediately to dress your favorite pasta, or allow it to cool before transferring to containers for refrigeration or freezing. This way, you’ll have your delicious marinara ready anytime you crave it.

How to Serve Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe

A white square bowl filled with thick, chunky red tomato sauce that has visible bits of tomato and herbs. A silver spoon is resting inside the bowl on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. The bowl is placed on a wooden surface, but the background should be imagined as white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese add a lovely final touch, boosting both aroma and flavor. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also elevate the sauce just before serving.

Side Dishes

This marinara pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes—from classic spaghetti and meatballs to garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for crispy breadsticks.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this versatile sauce in a lasagna, spooning it over grilled chicken, or using it as a base for shakshuka. Each idea highlights the sauce’s vibrant character and makes mealtime exciting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This ensures the flavors stay fresh and lively, ready whenever you need a quick flavor boost.

Freezing

The Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe freezes wonderfully. Divide it into portions and freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring it back to life without compromising that fresh just-made flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes add a bright, natural flavor. Just blanch and peel them first, then use the same quantities as canned tomatoes. Keep in mind cooking time might vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?

Yes, you can add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing step to introduce a gentle heat that complements the sauce’s sweetness and herbs beautifully.

Can I substitute dried basil with fresh basil?

Fresh basil can be used, but add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its fragrant, bright notes. Use about a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil to replace the dried amount.

How long does this marinara sauce last in the refrigerator?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Always check for any off smells or mold before use, and reheat thoroughly.

Can I use this sauce as a base for other Italian dishes?

Definitely! This sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a base for pizza, lasagna, or even to simmer meatballs—its simplicity makes it a reliable hero ingredient for countless meals.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a sauce made with love, simple ingredients, and time-tested techniques. This Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, bringing warmth and joy to every meal. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and discover just how easy and fun homemade marinara can be!

Simple And Scrumptious Marinara Sauce Recipe

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This simple and scrumptious marinara sauce recipe captures the essence of traditional Italian flavors with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, this homemade sauce combines the richness of tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil in a luscious blend simmered to perfection.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, chopped
28 ounces whole peeled tomatoes (canned)
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
3 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon white sugar
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preparation: Begin by organizing all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and chop the onion to ensure they cook evenly and release their flavors effectively.
Heat Olive Oil: In a skillet or saucepan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and allow it to heat gently, making sure it does not reach smoking point to preserve its flavor and nutritional value.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion into the heated olive oil. Sauté this mixture for about 10 minutes until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir frequently to prevent burning and to evenly cook the ingredients.
Add Whole Tomatoes: Take the canned whole peeled tomatoes and crush them gently by hand to give the sauce a rustic texture before adding them to the skillet.
Add Crushed Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet along with the dried basil leaves, white sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let the sauce simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend the flavors beautifully.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste the marinara sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary to suit your flavor preferences.
Serve or Store: Use the sauce immediately with your dish, or let it cool completely before transferring it to containers for refrigeration or freezing to preserve freshness.

Notes

Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor.
To deepen the sauce flavor, you can add a splash of red wine during simmering.
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Adjust the amount of sugar based on the acidity of your tomatoes.
For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender after simmering.