Simple Marinara Sauce
Transform your pasta nights with this Simple Marinara Sauce, a quick and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a blend of dried oregano and basil, this recipe delivers rich, homemade flavor in just 35 minutes. A touch of sugar balances the acidity, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick. The fresh basil stirred in at the end infuses the sauce with vibrant, herby brightness. Whether ladled over al dente pasta, used as a pizza base, or served alongside garlic bread for dipping, this marinara is a versatile and essential recipe for your culinary repertoire. Simple, satisfying, and made entirely from scratch—your go-to sauce just got an upgrade.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cooks.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt or sugar if desired.
Before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped if preferred, for a burst of fresh flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
504 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.0 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1253 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.1 g | ||
| Protein | 9.0 g | 18% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 202 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% | |
| Potassium | 1903 mg | 40% | |
*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.
