Easy Marinara

Bring the heartwarming flavors of Italy to your kitchen with this Easy Marinara sauce recipe—a no-fuss, homemade classic that’s ready in just 40 minutes! Made with pantry staples like canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant dried herbs, this recipe delivers a rich, robust flavor that elevates your meals without hours of simmering. The sautéed yellow onion and a pinch of sugar balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, while the optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Whether served over pasta, drizzled onto pizza, or used as a dipping sauce, this versatile marinara is a must-have for quick, delicious weeknight dinners. Bonus: it’s ideal for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for up to five days. Perfectly simple, perfectly satisfying!

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped yellow onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 5

Add dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and, if using, red pepper flakes. Stir well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt, pepper, or sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 8

Serve immediately over cooked pasta, use as pizza sauce, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Step 9

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	960.5 grams (960.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	537

Total Fat 30.00g	38%
Saturated Fat 4.40g	22%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2184mg	95%
Total Carbohydrate 66.50g	24%
Dietary Fiber 16.20g	58%
Total Sugars 38.90g
Protein 12.40g	25%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 219mg	17%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 1954mg	42%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.1%

Protein: 8.5%

Carbs: 45.4%