Description
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe uses authentic San Marzano tomatoes and simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes. Ready in just 30 minutes, this sauce is fresh, aromatic with garlic, basil, and oregano, and easily customizable with optional spices and sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Base
- 1 can (28 oz / 796 g) whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 2 tsp)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Handful fresh basil, torn (about 1/4 cup)
- Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan or skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring often, until translucent and soft, about 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from browning.
- Add Tomatoes: Open the can of San Marzano tomatoes and pour them into the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to gently crush the tomatoes, leaving some chunks for texture. Increase heat slightly until the sauce bubbles lightly.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and flavors deepen.
- Add Fresh Basil and Finish: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the sauce just before serving. Optionally, use an immersion blender for a few seconds to smooth the sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use kosher salt for better seasoning control.
- The sauce can be blended smooth or left chunky based on preference.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance or omit for mild sauce.
- Optional sugar balances acidity but can be left out if tomatoes are naturally sweet.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: marinara sauce, San Marzano tomatoes, homemade tomato sauce, Italian sauce, easy marinara, garlic tomato sauce, basil tomato sauce
