Marinara Sauce is a simple, and easy-to-make Italian pasta sauce. It is usually made with crushed or whole tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil leaves, and other Italian seasonings. The recipe I have shared here shows you how to make Marinara Sauce with easy step-by-step instructions for you to try and enjoy at home.
I have also shared a detailed video of this recipe to make the cooking process simple and clear. This Homemade Marinara Sauce is one of the best pasta sauces that can be served over spaghetti, rotini, or in the recipes that call for it. And the best part is, it can be also used as a pizza sauce, and dipping sauce.
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What is Marinara Sauce?
Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce packed with flavors of onion and garlic. It is usually made with whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or sometimes with tomato sauce. Onion and garlic are used as basic aromatics along with oregano, chili flakes, and basil leaves. It is usually served with pasta, spaghetti, as a dipping sauce, or topping sauce for pizza.
This classic Italian tomato sauce is also one of the red sauces made with basic ingredients. But there are also other variations in which the marinara includes ingredients like capers, olives, and wine. This Marinara recipe is also used in many Italian-American dishes like eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, lasagna, calzones, and much more.
Usually, the authentic version requires blanching, peeling, and then hours of simmering as it is made with fresh tomatoes. But the recipe shared below is a quick homemade version of the classic Marinara recipe and you will need just under 20 minutes to make this flavorful sauce.
You can serve it on your spaghetti, pasta, or pizza, for lunch or dinner, or as a simple dipping sauce for your snacks.
Ingredients
The ingredients you will need to make this Marinara Sauce is basic Italian pantry elements and they should be easily available in most grocery stores around. So let's see what are they below.
- Tomatoes - Fresh homemade tomato puree or store-bought canned whole tomato, crushed tomatoes, or sauce work well for this recipe
- Garlic and Onion - Finely chopped garlic and onion that delivers the fresh aroma and taste to your sauce
- Seasonings - You can use basic Italian seasonings that are handy to you but here I have used oregano and chili flakes
- Olive Oil - Gives neutral taste and flavor to the sauce
- Fresh Herbs - Fresh herbs like basil leaves, parsley, or oregano enhance the flavor of the sauce
For a detailed ingredients list, please check out the recipe card below.
How to make Marinara Sauce?
The recipe I have shared here is a quick version of the classic Italian Marinara Sauce. For this recipe, you will need the store-bought tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Usually, store-bought tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes will go through a peeling and simmering process. So, you will need just 10 minutes to simmer them to absorb the flavors of onion, garlic, and oregano.
Following are the high-level instructions to make this recipe but for detailed step-by-step instructions with photos and video, please check out the recipe card below.
- Saute - In a pan with medium heat, pour olive oil and add garlic. Saute it until it turns aromatic
- Caramelize - Add onions and saute until it turns soft or caramelized
- Add Tomato Sauce - Now add the tomato sauce, oregano, and chili flakes. Give it a good mix
- Simmer - Simmer the heat, and cook the sauce for 7 to 10 minutes
- Garnish - Finally, garnish with basil leaves and now it is ready for you to use in your pasta
- Serve - Serve this Homemade Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti, rotini, penne, or pasta of your choice. You could also use it in recipes that call for a marinara sauce like eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and similar others
Tips
- Tomatoes - Tomatoes are the basic and key factor in delivering authentic taste and flavor to this sauce. So I would recommend using organic and good quality tomatoes or tomato sauce for this recipe
- Types of Tomatoes - You can use whole, crushed, pureed, or diced tomatoes to make this sauce
- Authentic way - The recipe shared here is a quick version of Marinara Sauce that does not require hours of simmering. However, you can also use whole peeled tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. If you are planning to use whole tomatoes then I recommend mashing and simmering them for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to enjoy the authentic taste and flavor
- Serving - Serve this Marinara Sauce with spaghetti, rotini, fettuccine, or with your favorite pasta variety
Storage Suggestions
You can store this sauce in the refrigerator for up to a week in a closed airtight container. The sauce also freezes well in the freezer for up to a month. If you are planning to freeze them then I recommend storing them in freezer-friendly bags according to individual serving sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Homemade Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti, rotini, penne, or pasta of your choice. This sauce also goes great as a topping sauce for pizza or as a dipping sauce for snacks. You could also use it in recipes that call for a marinara sauce like eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and similar others
Related Recipes
You could also find similar recipes below and more at sauce recipes and dips and condiments.
More pasta recipes.
Marinara Sauce Recipe Video
I have also shared a detailed video of this Marinara Sauce Recipe below that I hope will help you to make authentic Italian Tomato Sauce at home. You could also find this recipe in a story format.
📖 Recipe
Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp White Onion, chopped
- 30 oz Tomato Sauce, or crushed tomato
- ½ tsp Oregano
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- Fresh Basil Leaves, to garnish
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- Salt, as needed
Instructions
To make Marinara Sauce
- In a pan with medium heat, pour olive oil and add garlic. Saute it until it turns aromatic
- Add onions and saute until it turns soft or it carmelizes
- Now add the tomato sauce or crushed tomato, oregano, and chili flakes. Give it a good mix
- Simmer the heat, and cook the sauce for 7 to 10 minutes
- Finally, garnish with basil leaves and now it is ready for you to use in your pasta
To Serve
- Serve this Homemade Marinara Sauce with Spaghetti, rotini, penne, or pasta of your choice. You could also use it in recipes that call for a marinara sauce like eggplant parmesan, chicken parmesan, and similar others
Video
Notes
- Tomatoes - Tomatoes are the basic and key factor in delivering authentic taste and flavor to this sauce. So I would recommend using organic and good quality tomatoes or tomato sauce for this recipe
- Types of Tomatoes - You can use whole, crushed, pureed, or diced tomatoes to make this sauce
- Authentic way - The recipe shared here is a quick version of Marinara Sauce that does not require hours of simmering. However, you can also use whole peeled tomatoes instead of tomato sauce. If you are planning to use whole tomatoes then I recommend mashing and simmering them for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to enjoy the authentic taste and flavor
- Serving - Serve this Marinara Sauce with spaghetti, rotini, fettuccine, or with your favorite pasta variety
Nutrition
FAQ
Marinara Sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce packed with flavors of onion and garlic. It is usually made with whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or sometimes with tomato sauce. It is usually served with pasta, spaghetti, as a dipping sauce, or topping sauce for pizza.
Marinara Sauce is a tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basic Italian seasonings. While spaghetti sauce is also a tomato sauce that has an in-depth flavor profile compared to marinara. Also, it contains spices, veggies, or meats.
No, this sauce does not contain any meat and it is absolutely veg or vegan-friendly sauce.
Serve this sauce with spaghetti or your favorite pasta. You can also use it as a pizza sauce, dipping sauce, and in recipes that calls for marinara sauce.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe that I have shared here and I would love to hear from you about how it turned out for you. Please let me know.
If you have any other questions, feel free to post them in the comment section below and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Happy Cooking!
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