Easy Marinara
Bring the heartwarming flavors of Italy to your kitchen with this Easy Marinara sauce recipe—a no-fuss, homemade classic that’s ready in just 40 minutes! Made with pantry staples like canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant dried herbs, this recipe delivers a rich, robust flavor that elevates your meals without hours of simmering. The sautéed yellow onion and a pinch of sugar balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, while the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Whether served over pasta, drizzled onto pizza, or used as a dipping sauce, this versatile marinara is a must-have for quick, delicious weeknight dinners. Bonus: it’s ideal for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Perfectly simple, perfectly satisfying!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
Add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and, if using, red pepper flakes. Stir well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, use as pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
87 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.8 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 330 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.0 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.7 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 320 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
