Making a homemade marinara sauce doesn’t have to be a weekend-only marathon. In fact, this quick and easy marinara sauce recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful, cozy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a few simple herbs, you can whip up a sauce that’s rich, velvety, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or even dipping crispy breadsticks.
Think of it as your kitchen’s little magic potion: in just 20 minutes, you can have a sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon, all while keeping things stress-free. Plus, it’s so flexible that you can tweak it to be sweeter, spicier, or herby depending on your mood or what’s in your fridge. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a first-time saucier, this recipe will make you feel like a pasta hero.
Ingredients for Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Use extra virgin for best flavor |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Canned whole tomatoes | 28 ounces | Crush by hand or with a blender for smooth texture |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | Adds depth of flavor |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon | Can substitute with Italian seasoning |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon | Fresh basil can be added at the end |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon | Optional, balances acidity |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Freshly ground for best taste |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Optional, for mild heat |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
Preparing the Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
Making a delicious marinara sauce doesn’t need to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can turn pantry ingredients into a vibrant, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce. Let’s break it down.
Sautéing the Aromatics
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 4–5 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This step unlocks the sweetness in the onion, forming the flavor base for your sauce.
Next, add the minced garlic. Stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. At this stage, your kitchen will smell incredible—almost like a cozy Italian trattoria in just a few minutes.
Adding Tomatoes and Seasonings
Now it’s time for the star of the show: canned whole tomatoes. Crush them by hand or with a blender for a smoother texture, then add them to the pan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to deepen the flavor.
Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of heat), 1 teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
Stir everything together until fully combined. The sauce should start to thicken slightly as it simmers.
Simmering the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. As it cooks, the flavors meld together, creating a rich, comforting taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Finishing Touches
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are well blended, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Your quick and easy marinara sauce is now ready to serve! Pair it with your favorite pasta, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Tips and Variations for Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
Even a simple marinara sauce can shine with a few small tricks. These tips will help you make your sauce extra flavorful, store it for later, and adapt it to your taste preferences.
Enhancing Flavor
- Use fresh herbs at the end: While dried herbs add depth during cooking, stirring in fresh basil or parsley right before serving brightens the sauce and adds a fresh aroma.
- Roast your garlic or onion: For a slightly sweeter, deeper flavor, roast your garlic cloves or onions before adding them to the sauce.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth: If your sauce tastes a little flat, a small splash of broth can enhance the richness without adding extra fat.
Quick Variations
- Spicy Marinara: Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon for a noticeable kick.
- Creamy Marinara: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or unsweetened almond milk at the end for a smoother, richer texture.
- Veggie-Loaded Sauce: Add finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini while sautéing the onions for extra nutrition and sweetness.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Marinara freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape you love.
- Use as a base for pizza or flatbreads.
- Serve as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, mozzarella sticks, or roasted vegetables.
With these tips, your quick and easy marinara sauce becomes versatile, delicious, and ready for any meal.
Print
Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
A beginner-friendly marinara sauce made with simple ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping bread.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces canned whole tomatoes, crushed
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onions for 4–5 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and stir for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then stir in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- Add fresh basil at the end for brightness.
- Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes.
- Add chopped veggies for a heartier sauce.
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have pitfalls if you’re not careful. Here are the most common mistakes people make when making marinara sauce—and how to avoid them.
Burning the Garlic
Garlic cooks very quickly and can turn bitter if burnt. Always add garlic after the onions are soft, and stir constantly for 30–60 seconds. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat.
Using Low-Quality Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are the heart of your sauce. Opt for high-quality whole peeled tomatoes. They’ll give a naturally sweet, rich flavor. Avoid low-quality or overly watery tomatoes, which can make your sauce bland.
Skipping the Simmer
Some cooks rush the sauce and skip simmering. Simmering allows flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken naturally. Even 15–20 minutes on low heat makes a noticeable difference.
Over-Salting Early
Salt enhances flavor, but adding too much at the start can overpower the sauce. Season gradually, taste as you go, and adjust at the end.
Forgetting Fresh Herbs
Dried herbs are great during cooking, but finishing with fresh basil or parsley adds brightness and freshness. Don’t skip this simple step—it elevates your sauce.
Making Sauce Too Thick or Thin
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. If it’s too thin, simmer a few extra minutes uncovered until it reaches the desired consistency.
FAQ: Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
Can I make this marinara sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! For fresh tomatoes, peel and dice about 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Cook them down until soft and saucy, then proceed with the recipe as usual. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require a slightly longer simmer to develop the flavors.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes while cooking, or stir in a dash of cayenne pepper at the end. Start small, taste, and adjust gradually until you reach your desired heat level.
Can I make this marinara sauce gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan as written, since it only uses vegetables, olive oil, and seasonings. Serve over gluten-free pasta to keep it fully gluten-free.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Definitely! This quick and easy marinara sauce works perfectly as a pizza base. Spread a thin layer on your dough before adding toppings. The bright, fresh flavors complement cheese and vegetables beautifully.
Conclusion
Making a homemade Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce is simpler than you might think. With just a few pantry staples like canned tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a touch of herbs, you can create a flavorful, cozy sauce in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, using it as a pizza base, or dipping fresh breadsticks, this sauce brings comfort and freshness to any meal.
Cooking doesn’t have to be stressful—sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy. So grab your saucepan, stir in some love, and enjoy a homemade sauce that tastes like it took hours, even if it didn’t.