The Ultimate Weeknight Marinara a Fromscratch Classic

Best Marinara Sauce The Ultimate Weeknight Pasta Sauce

By Sarah Chen-MartinezAugust 9, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved that best marinara sauce that tastes like sunshine and Italy? Honestly, this recipe will become your trusty sidekick. It's sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious!

Brief Overview

Marinara sauce has roots deep in Italian culinary tradition. This easy marinara sauce recipe is weeknight friendly. It requires 1 hour and yields around 4 cups. That's enough for a pound of pasta.

Main Benefits

This Italian marinara sauce recipe boasts lycopene from the tomatoes, a powerful antioxidant. It's perfect for a cozy family pasta night.

What makes it special? It's the taste of homemade, without the fuss! I swear, this is the Best Ever Marinara Sauce .

Craving a taste of Italy?

Want a quick pasta sauce that tastes amazing? My homemade pasta sauce recipe will save you.

It has transformed my weeknight dinners!

Honestly, I used to rely on jars. Now? Never again!

Let's get to the ingredients.

The Heart of the Sauce: Ingredients

Here's what you'll need.

You'll need 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Grab 1 medium yellow onion, and 2 cloves of garlic. Don't forget a half teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

You need 1 can (28 ounces) crushed San Marzano tomato sauce . Add a can (15 ounces) tomato sauce. Then get 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of dried basil, a quarter teaspoon of black pepper, half a teaspoon of kosher salt.

Also, get 1 tablespoon of sugar and fresh basil for garnish.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Marinara Party Started!

Alright, mates, let's talk about what you'll need to make this best marinara sauce . Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have lurking in the cupboard.

Don't sweat it if you're missing something, though; we'll cover swapsies later. Think of this as our "How To Make Italian Spaghetti Sauce" master class.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the "Best Ever Marinara Sauce"

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for a decent one. That's the starting base for great italian flavour.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped. About 1 cup's worth of onion-y goodness.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, innit?
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon . Only if you like a kick. I like it spicy.
Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). San Marzano tomato sauce are the real deal if you can find them, but any good quality crushed tomatoes will do the trick to create "Homemade Canned Marinara Sauce".
Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g). Just your basic tomato sauce, nothing fancy.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential for that Italian vibe.
Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon . Complements the oregano perfectly.
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly ground. Don't be shy with the pepper.
Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , plus more to taste. Salt brings out all the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: 1 tablespoon . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. You can sub honey if you're feeling fancy.
Fresh Basil: A few leaves for garnish (optional, but highly recommended).

Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Combinations

Forget those pre-mixed Italian seasoning blends. We're building flavour here. The oregano and basil are key. A little red pepper adds a nice warmth.

I personally like adding a pinch of fennel seeds. It adds a subtle liquorice hint that is "Simple tomato sauce recipe" special.

No fennel? No problem! But this Italian Marinara Sauce Recipe would be incomplete without it. Also, feel free to add a bay leaf when simmering for a little extra depth.

Equipment Needed: Bare Essentials

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: This is where the magic happens.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and scraping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements.

Honestly, that's all you need. No fancy gadgets required for this "Easy marinara sauce recipe". If you don't have a proper saucepan, a large pot will work just fine.

You can make this best authentic spaghetti sauce easily. A potato masher can be used to crush whole tomatoes instead.

Now are you ready to cook with me Homemade pasta sauce recipe , and in this special chapter with my Quick marinara sauce ?

Cooking Method: Simmering Your Way to the Best Marinara Sauce Ever

Okay, friends, let's talk marinara sauce . Honestly, who doesn't love a good homemade pasta sauce recipe ? I'm gonna show you how to make a batch of the best ever marinara sauce that'll knock your socks off.

Forget that jarred stuff, we're going old-school, Nonna style, but quick enough for a Tuesday.

I can still remember my grandma standing over a pot, stirring slowly. Now I know that's the key to success.

It's not just a meal; it's a hug in a bowl! So let's begin this italian marinara sauce recipe .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Matters!

First things first, let's get organised! Essential mise en place is key. Chop 1 medium yellow onion. Mince 2 cloves of garlic.

Grab your ingredients. Having everything ready saves you time. Safety first. Don't cut yourself.

step-by-step: From Simple to Sensational

Sauté the goods: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Then add garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy). Cook for another 60 seconds . The smell is amazing.
Add tomatoes and love: Pour in 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes and 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. I always use San Marzano tomato sauce if I can. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Simmer, baby, simmer! Bring the sauce to a simmer. Reduce heat. Cover and cook for at least 45 minutes . Stir occasionally. This is where the magic happens.
Sweeten the deal: Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar. It balances the acidity.
Serve it up: Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Marinara

Don't rush the simmer! Low and slow = flavor. The longer it simmers, the better.
Taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don't be afraid to add more salt.
Add a splash of cream at the end for a creamy twist. Game changer, honestly.

Making a quick marinara sauce doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Just follow these steps, and you'll have an amazing sauce in no time.

This is the best authentic spaghetti sauce you'll ever make. Next thing you'll know, you will be making your own homemade canned marinara sauce ! You know? It's that easy.

Alright, let's chat about making the best marinara sauce . Honestly, it's easier than you think! I used to be intimidated, but now? I make it all the time.

Here are my recipe notes to help you along.

Recipe Nuggets: Getting the Best Ever Marinara Sauce

Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plate Ready!

Presentation is key, right? You know, like when you’re trying to impress your mates. For plating, think simple. Twirl some spaghetti, spoon on the best marinara sauce , and add a basil leaf.

Bam!

Complementary sides? Garlic bread, obviously. A simple salad also works. Drinks wise, a glass of red wine, if you're feeling fancy, or even just sparkling water with lemon! I also like dipping my bread in the sauce! Oh my gosh!

Storage Tips: Keep that Sauce Fresh!

Refrigeration is super easy. Just let the sauce cool and pop it in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days.

Want to freeze it? Go for it! It lasts for months. Use freezer safe bags and lay them flat to save space.

When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight or gently heat it on the stovetop. Try to stir sometimes. It prevents burning.

Variations: Spice It Up or Tone It Down

Want to change things up? Make it creamy! Stir in some cream at the end. Dietary adaptation? No problem! For a lower sugar version, skip the sugar and use a pinch of baking soda to reduce acidity.

If you want a quick marinara sauce , just skip all of the extra ingredients!

Seasonal ingredient swaps are fun. In the summer, use fresh tomatoes for an Italian marinara sauce recipe . In the winter, canned is fine.

No biggie! It's honestly one of the Best Authentic Spaghetti Sauce you could make!. It tastes even better than a Homemade Canned Marinara Sauce .

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Too!

So, what are we looking at nutritionally? I got you covered! Each serving is about 120 calories. It has 3g of protein, and 7g of fat.

You also get 14g of carbs. The key health benefits? Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. This means it is good for your heart.

And who does not love that?

So there you have it! look into into this easy marinara sauce recipe . Give it a go! Make it your own and enjoy it! You are going to make it the best marinara sauce ever, just like Nonna used to make San Marzano tomato sauce with her Homemade pasta sauce recipe .

You got this!. It can be your new simple tomato sauce recipe !

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this the best marinara sauce? What's so special about it?

Well, like a good cuppa, it's all about the details! This marinara sauce uses high-quality canned tomatoes (San Marzano if you can find them!), and the low and slow simmering process really concentrates the flavors. Plus, we've balanced the acidity with a touch of sugar, and a good glug of olive oil adds richness.

It's a classic for a reason!

Can I make this marinara sauce ahead of time? Does it freeze well?

Absolutely! Making it ahead is a cracking idea, as the flavours actually develop even more overnight. To store, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this best marinara sauce freezes brilliantly for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

I'm not a fan of sweet marinara sauce. Can I skip the sugar?

Of course! The sugar (or honey) is just there to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, a bit like adding milk to your tea. If you prefer a tangier sauce, feel free to leave it out or reduce the amount. You could also try adding a pinch of baking soda, which neutralizes acidity too, a trick many chefs use!

What are some good variations I can try with this best marinara sauce recipe?

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could add a pinch more red pepper flakes for a spicier sauce, or stir in a dollop of cream or mascarpone at the end for a richer, creamier version, kinda like a vodka sauce. For a veggie boost, try adding finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the saucepan along with the onions.

Is this marinara sauce healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown?

This marinara sauce is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the tomatoes. Each 1-cup serving is estimated to have around 120 calories, 3g of protein, 7g of fat, 14g of carbohydrates, and 3g of fiber.

Just be mindful of the sodium content and adjust the salt to your liking and remember these are just estimates! It's all about balance, like a well deserved biscuit with your tea.

My sauce turned out a bit watery. How can I thicken it?

No worries, it happens! First, make sure you've simmered it long enough time is your friend here. If it's still too thin, you can remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of simmering to allow more moisture to evaporate.

Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer for a few more minutes until thickened.