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This classic marinara sauce recipe is rich, flavorful, and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, and more, and tastes so much better than store-bought.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about a homemade classic marinara sauce simmering on the stove. Made with simple pantry staples like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs, this sauce delivers rich, authentic Italian flavor with very little effort. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it has been cooking all day, but comes together easily enough for a weeknight dinner in 30 minutes.
You’ll love how versatile this marinara sauce is too. Toss it with pasta, spoon it over meatballs, use it for homemade pizza, or serve it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and mozzarella sticks. It freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and busy nights when you need a quick, flavorful dinner on the table.
Ingredients Needed
- Whole, Peeled Tomatoes
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth or White wine
- Onion
- Olive Oil
- Oregano
- Fresh Italian Parsley
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Marinara Sauce
- Place tomatoes ( do not drain), tomato paste, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth.
- Put oil into a large frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in blended tomato mixture and chicken broth (or white wine)
- Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally.
Tips from leigh Anne
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option and give the sauce a rich, authentic taste.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic first. Cooking them in olive oil before adding the tomatoes creates a deeper, richer flavor base.
- If you don’t have a food processor, use an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture. Cooking it too long can sometimes make the tomatoes taste bitter or overly acidic.
- If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to help balance the flavor.
- Stir in some fresh basil at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Substitute white wine for the chicken broth if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes! Fresh tomatoes can be used when they are in season, but canned tomatoes usually provide the richest and most consistent flavor year-round.
How long does marinara sauce last?
Store marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Let the sauce cool completely and store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce?
Marinara sauce is typically a simple tomato-based sauce made with garlic, onions, herbs, and tomatoes. Spaghetti sauce often includes additional ingredients such as meat or extra vegetables.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, add in a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
This classic marinara sauce is one of those timeless recipes every home cook should have in their collection. It’s simple, full of rich tomato flavor, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, pairing it with meatballs, or using it as a dipping sauce, this homemade marinara sauce will quickly become a go-to recipe for easy, comforting meals.
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Marinara Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 28 oz. whole tomatoes canned
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 4 Tbsp Italian parsley roughly chopped
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper totaste
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
Instructions
- Place tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley (roughly chopped), garlic, oregano, garlic and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Can also use an immersion blender.
- Place olive oil in a frying pan and heat over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in blended tomato mixture and chicken broth. Simmer for 30 minutes until thickened. Stir occassionally.
Tips & Notes:
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option and give the sauce a rich, authentic taste.
- Don’t skip sautéing the onions and garlic first. Cooking them in olive oil before adding the tomatoes creates a deeper, richer flavor base.
- If you don’t have a food processor, use an immersion blender or a regular blender.
- Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture. Cooking it too long can sometimes make the tomatoes taste bitter or overly acidic.
- If your sauce tastes too acidic, add a small pinch of sugar to help balance the flavor.
- Stir in some fresh basil at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Substitute white wine for the chicken broth if you prefer.
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Beth says
So easy and delicious.