Easy Marinara Sauce is an Italian staple and so easy to make. Using just 5 ingredients, canned tomato sauce, garlic, basil, salt and pepper. That’s it, it’s that simple, and done in 20 minutes. Really you will not want to go back to jarred sauce again!
This tasty sauce will surprise you, on just how easy it is to make. Don’t be misled, by thinking a good Italian pasta sauce needs hours of cooking on the stove. Serve the marinara sauce along with our Easy Italian Meatballs on top of a bowl of spaghetti. Or simple have with sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Do Ahead:
When I’m in the prep mode, I’ll make multiple batches at a time and freeze them for later use. On busy days, I like having a couple of extra in the freezer.
I cook multiple batches in one pot. Let cool, then divide the sauce up and place in individual quart sized zip-lock bags. Lay flat in the freezer, when ready to use, just defrost and heat in a saucepan.
Variations for marinara sauce
Richer Sauce: Use butter instead of olive oil.
Added Flavor: I use what I have on hand when making this sauce. Things, like celery, onion, carrot, a leaf or two of fresh basil. You can easily switch the basil for Italian seasoning. For a spicier sauce, just add in a bit of red pepper flakes.
Sweetness: I like a bit of sweetness to the sauce, so I add a tablespoon of sugar to mine.
Try some of our other recipes:
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 28-ounce canned tomato sauce (if you like your sauce chunky, use crushed tomatoes instead)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 large cloves freshly chopped garlic In a hurry, use jarred garlic or 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder (not garlic salt)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- *see additional options in "notes" below
Instructions
- Heat oil in a saucepan on medium-high. Once hot add in the chopped garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 20-30 seconds. You do not want it to brown.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, salt, pepper. (see note below for additional options, if using add them as well)
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and let simmer with the lid slightly ajar for 20-40 minutes. Serve with your favorite pasta
This has to be the easiest and best tasting sauce I’ve ever made, and I’ve tried several other recipes. I always get compliments on it. Pat
This is now my go to recipe. It’s almost as easy as opening up jarred sauce but sooooo much better!
I use this recipe all the time, if I make lasagna or baked ziti I add in 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of fennel seeds to it. Fabulous. Marie
I had both celery and carrots on hand so I cut them into big chunks and added it to the sauce. Very good. Tammi