Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marinara Sauce from Scratch is a rich, tomato-based Italian classic that’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor. Made with just a few pantry staples, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce. Its fresh, vibrant taste and homemade touch make it a kitchen essential that elevates any dish.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
olive oil
garlic cloves
crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
salt
black pepper
dried oregano
dried basil
red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
sugar (optional to balance acidity)
fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

directions

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.

Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Add red pepper flakes and sugar if using.

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Let it simmer uncovered for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to your liking.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 3 cups of sauce.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

Add chopped onions for a deeper flavor.
Use fresh tomatoes peeled and crushed for a more rustic texture.
Stir in a splash of red wine during simmering for richness.
Include a bay leaf while simmering and remove before serving.
Blend the sauce for a smooth consistency.

storage/reheating

Store Marinara Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, just peel, seed, and crush them before using.

Why add sugar to marinara sauce?
It helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, especially if they’re very tart.

Is marinara sauce spicy?
Not typically, but red pepper flakes can add heat if desired.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, it even tastes better the next day as flavors deepen.

What type of tomatoes work best?
San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and low acidity.

Do I need to cook it for a long time?
No, 20–30 minutes is enough for great flavor, but you can simmer longer for depth.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, it scales up easily and stores well.

Can I add meat to marinara?
You can, though traditionally marinara is meatless. Add cooked ground meat if preferred.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free.

What can I use marinara sauce for?
It’s great for pasta, pizza, meatballs, lasagna, or as a dip for breadsticks.

Conclusion

Marinara Sauce from Scratch is a quick, flavorful staple that brings authentic Italian taste to your table. Whether you’re serving it with pasta or using it as a base for other dishes, its simplicity and rich flavor make it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.