Simple and Delicious Marinara
Transform your kitchen into an Italian trattoria with this Simple and Delicious Marinara recipe—a timeless classic that’s as easy to make as it is flavorful. Made with pantry staples like canned whole peeled tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a medley of dried herbs, this homemade marinara sauce comes together in just 10 minutes of prep time and simmers to perfection in 30 minutes. A touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while fresh basil added at the end infuses vibrant, garden-fresh flavor. Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, using it as a pizza sauce, or spooning it over meatballs, this versatile, gluten-free recipe is the ultimate go-to for weeknight meals or refined dining occasions. Perfect for make-ahead prep, this marinara can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it a kitchen essential for busy households.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 0.25 cup water (if needed)
Instructions
Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes, crushing them gently with your hands before adding them to the saucepan. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a blender or immersion blender before cooking.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add water in small increments until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Use immediately with your favorite pasta, as a pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
568 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3365 mg | 146% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 72.1 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.8 g | 67% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.7 g | ||
| Protein | 10.7 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 272 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1754 mg | 37% | |
*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.
