My Base for Everything Zippy Marinara Sauce
Transform your meals with "My Base for Everything Zippy Marinara Sauce," a versatile, flavor-packed recipe that's perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. This easy-to-make marinara combines pantry staples like crushed canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano with a zesty kick from crushed red pepper flakes and aromatic sautéed garlic. The addition of fresh basil at the end ensures a bright, herbaceous finish, while a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Ready in just 40 minutes, this customizable sauce is made with wholesome ingredients and can be stored for future meals, making it an essential recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you're looking for a bold pasta topper or a homemade pizza sauce, this zippy marinara delivers vibrant, crowd-pleasing flavor every time.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces crushed canned tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 0.25 cups fresh basil leaves, torn
- 0.5 cups water or vegetable stock
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed canned tomatoes and stir in the tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, sugar, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
Pour in the water or vegetable stock to thin the sauce slightly, and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.
Stir in the torn fresh basil leaves just before serving.
Use immediately as a base for pasta, pizza, or dipping, or let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
564 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.2 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2043 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.7 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.4 g | ||
| Protein | 12.2 g | 24% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2171 mg | 46% | |
*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.
