Elevate your pasta night with this bold and flavorful Spicy Marinara sauce, a simple yet irresistible recipe that's perfect for spice lovers. Bursting with the robust flavors of garlic, red chili flakes, and rich canned tomatoes, this sauce comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The addition of dried oregano, basil, and a hint of sugar creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the optional garnish of fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish. Whether served over your favorite pasta, used as a pizza sauce, or a zesty dip for breadsticks, this versatile homemade marinara is sure to become a household staple. Quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors, Spicy Marinara is the ultimate kitchen hero for pasta lovers and spice enthusiasts alike!
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the pan, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the finely diced onion to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Carefully pour the canned whole tomatoes (including their juice) into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the tomatoes into smaller pieces.
Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If a smoother consistency is desired, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce, or blend in batches in a countertop blender.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Serve hot over your favorite pasta, use as a pizza base, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Calories |
389 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.7 g | 37% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2400 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.8 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.5 g | ||
| Protein | 4.5 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 101 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 716 mg | 15% | |
*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.