The Only Marinara Sauce You’ll Ever Need
This quick and easy homemade marinara sauce is so good, it turns even the pickiest eaters into pasta lovers! With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll get a rich, flavorful sauce that’s better than anything from a jar.
Whether you’re making a cozy pasta dinner, dipping garlic bread, or using it as a pizza base, this sauce is your new go-to. Ready in 45 minutes, no complicated steps—just pure, classic flavor.
For Homemade Marinara Sauce
Stewed Tomatoes – These form the base of your sauce, providing the rich, tangy tomato flavor that marinara is known for.
Tomato Paste – Adds a deep, concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce, giving it that perfect consistency.
Fresh Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbal note to brighten up the sauce and balance the acidity.
Garlic – The key ingredient for flavor, infusing the sauce with a savory, aromatic taste.
Dried Oregano – A classic Italian herb that brings the authentic taste of marinara to your dish.
Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the tomatoes and the herbs.
Ground Black Pepper – Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the flavors in the sauce.
Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the onions, it adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
Onion – Provides a sweet, savory depth to the sauce base when sautéed.
(FAQ) for Homemade Marinara Sauce:
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Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can! If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them, then chop and cook them down until they form a sauce-like consistency. You may need to add a bit of water or broth to adjust the thickness. -
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or even overnight. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. -
Can I make this marinara sauce spicy?
Yes! If you like heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely diced chili peppers when sautéing the onions. -
Can I add sugar to reduce the acidity?
If you find the sauce too acidic, adding a small pinch of sugar (1/2 tsp) can help balance the flavors. Just be sure to taste and adjust. -
What should I pair this marinara sauce with?
This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or any dish that calls for a rich, flavorful tomato sauce. You can also use it as a dip for garlic bread. -
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Fresh parsley provides a bright, fresh flavor, but if you only have dried parsley on hand, you can use it as a substitute—just reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5-ounce) stewed tomatoes
- 1 can (6-ounce) tomato paste
- 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Blend the SauceIn a food processor, combine the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Sauté the OnionHeat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Simmer the SaucePour in the blended tomato mixture and stir well. Add the white wine and mix until combined.
- Cook to PerfectionSimmer the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened—about 30 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy!Pair with your favorite pasta or use as a base for pizza, meatballs, or any dish that calls for a rich, flavorful red sauce.
Nutrition
