Marinara Sauce
A classic Italian-American marinara sauce, simmered with garlic, onions, and herbs until rich and flavorful. Perfect for pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce, and ready in under 30 minutes.
For 8 servings
Sauté the aromatics.
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
TIPCooking the onions slowly builds a sweet, flavorful base for the sauce.Add garlic and herbs.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.
TIPAdding garlic later prevents it from burning and becoming bitter.Combine sauce ingredients.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes.
- Add the dried oregano, dried basil, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Swirl the water in the empty tomato cans and add it to the pot to get every last bit of tomato.
Simmer the sauce.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially with a lid and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
TIPThe longer you simmer the sauce, the richer and deeper the flavor will become.Finish and serve.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately with your favorite pasta or store for later.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree it directly in the pot after simmering.
- 2If your tomatoes are very acidic, you can add a small pinch of baking soda to balance the flavor, instead of sugar.
- 3This sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- 4Use high-quality canned tomatoes, like San Marzano, for the best flavor.
- 5For a fresh twist, stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley at the very end of cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
For a spicier sauce (Arrabbiata style), add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
veganVegan
This sauce is naturally vegan. For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup of full-fat coconut milk at the end of cooking.
healthyHealthy
Boost the vegetable content by adding 1 finely grated carrot or zucchini along with the onions. They will melt into the sauce and add nutrients.
kid friendlyKid friendly
If your kids dislike chunks, blend the sauce until completely smooth before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases and promotes skin health.
Contains Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Low in Calories
This sauce offers a burst of flavor for very few calories, making it a great choice for weight management and healthy eating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, homemade marinara sauce is very healthy. It's low in calories and fat, and rich in vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene from the tomatoes, which is linked to improved heart health.