This is the BEST Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe that you'll ever come across. Gets done in just 20-minutes with BASIC pantry ingredients - good quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil, can of crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt and pepper.
Marinara Sauce is used in a variety of Italian American dishes such as Instant Pot Chicken Parm Pasta or Chicken Parmesan Meatballs or Chicken Parmesan orChickpea Meatballs or Zucchini Meatballs and etc.
Therefore it's extremely important that you make a jar of Marinara sauce and store.
What is Marinara Sauce?
Basically, Marinara Sauce is the same thing as Spaghetti Sauce or pasta sauce. But it's different from Pizza Sauce
The Basic difference between Pizza Sauce and Marinara Sauce is this - Marinara Sauce is cooked. Whereas, Pizza Sauce is made with crushed raw ingredients and it cooks with the Pizza.
There is a slight controversy about the origin of Marinara Sauce. Some say it originated in Naples and some say it belongs to Sicily.
But, one thing is certain. Marinara Sauce originated in Italy. Researchers have found reference to Marinara Sauce in Italian Cookbook - Lo Scalco alla Moderna (The Modern Steward that was written in 1692.
Why the name Marinara?
"Marinara" comes from the word - "mariner style". It typically translates to "seafaring" or "Sailor style". Therefore, the word Marinara was originated by the Sailors or the Italian Merchants who used to take this sauce along with them during long expeditions at sea.
Ingredients for Marinara Sauce
see the recipe card for quantities
- Can of Crushed Tomatoes - Traditionally, Marinara Sauce requires San Marzano tomatoes. But, its easier to use a can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Make sure you use the BEST quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for that authentic Italian taste.
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic
- Dried Oregano
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Basil
How to Make Marinara Sauce
Quickly grab a saucepan and a spatula and let's get ready to make the BEST Marinara Sauce.
Step 1: Sauté onions and garlic
Heat a medium saucepan with 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Add 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Yellow Onion. Sauté until the onions become soft and light brown. Then add and 3-4 cloves of finely minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it turns fragrant.
Step 2: Add tomatoes, Oregano, Salt & Pepper
Add a can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and fresh chopped basil. Crank up the heat and let it come to a boil. Then turn down the heat and cover the saucepan with a lid. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Fresh Basil
Finally, Stir in Fresh Basil and turn off the heat. Your Marinara Sauce is ready!
My Favorite Ways to Use Marinara Sauce
- Vegan Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Air Fryer Eggplant Fries Recipe
- Eggplant Parmesan
- Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna (Crockpot)
- Spinach Lasagna
Recipe
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped (about ½ onion)
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley finely chopped, plus more to garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once oil turns hot, add ½ cup of finely chopped onions stirring frequently until soft and lightly golden brown (about 4-5 minutes). Add finely minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 1-minute).
- Stir in 1 (28 oz can) of crushed tomatoes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Crank up the heat and let it come to a light boil. Then, reduce the heat and partially cover the saucepan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Lastly, stir in 1 tablespoon Fresh chopped basil or parsley and turn off the heat.
Dianne says
Love this recipe! We actually triple the recipe and can it so we have it on hand when we need it!
Anjali says
thank you so much! So glad you loved this!!!