A Simple Marinara Sauce is a must-have in every home cook’s repertoire. This fresh and flavorful sauce can elevate pasta dishes, pizzas, and more. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this delicious sauce in no time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Fresh Flavor: Using fresh basil and garlic ensures that your sauce bursts with flavor, enhancing any dish it accompanies.
- Versatile Use: Whether it’s pasta night or pizza Friday, this simple marinara sauce fits seamlessly into various meals.
- Healthy Option: Made from wholesome ingredients, this sauce is low in calories while still being rich in taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can make a batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use, saving time on future meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your cooking adventure, gather the essential tools to make your Simple Marinara Sauce. These items will help ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and helps develop the flavors as you sauté the garlic.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping garlic effortless, which is crucial for achieving that fragrant base of the sauce.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to prepare your ingredients efficiently.
Ingredients
A deliciously simple and fresh-tasting marinara sauce is surprisingly easy to make at home from just a few everyday ingredients. Quick, too!
For the Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2-3 sprigs fresh basil (plus more for serving)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
How to Make Simple Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Start by placing olive oil and garlic in a cold skillet. Then set the skillet over medium heat. As soon as the garlic starts to sizzle and release its aroma, add in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Nestle in the sprigs of fresh basil.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Let your sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. For deeper flavor, allow it to simmer over low heat for up to 45 minutes if you have that much time.
Step 3: Season to Taste
After simmering, remove the basil sprigs from the sauce. Give it a taste! Add kosher salt and black pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Serve your Simple Marinara Sauce immediately with your favorite pasta or protein. If you prefer, store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for future meals.
Enjoy this versatile sauce that brings a taste of Italy right into your kitchen!
How to Serve Simple Marinara Sauce
Simple marinara sauce is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta or looking to elevate a simple meal, here are some ideas on how to serve this delicious sauce.
With Pasta
- Spaghetti: Toss cooked spaghetti with simple marinara sauce for a classic dish that never disappoints.
- Penne: The tube shape of penne holds the sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
- Lasagna: Use simple marinara as a layer in your lasagna for added moisture and taste.
As a Dip
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread with a side of simple marinara for dipping, perfect for an appetizer or snack.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Pair crispy mozzarella sticks with warm marinara for a delightful cheesy treat.
Topping for Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Spoon over grilled chicken breasts for a fresh and zesty flavor boost.
- Meatballs: Combine with meatballs to create a hearty meal that’s great for family dinners.
In Pizza
- Pizza Sauce: Spread simple marinara sauce on pizza crust before adding your favorite toppings for a homemade pizza night.
How to Perfect Simple Marinara Sauce
Creating the perfect simple marinara sauce can elevate your culinary experience. Here are some tips to ensure your sauce is always top-notch.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and basil will give your sauce an incredible aroma and taste compared to dried alternatives.
- Let it simmer: Allowing the sauce to simmer longer enhances its flavors, so if time permits, let it cook low and slow.
- Adjust seasoning: Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like thyme or rosemary to customize the flavor profile further.
- Add sweetness: If the tomatoes are too acidic, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Simple Marinara Sauce
Looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your simple marinara sauce? Here are some delicious options that pair well with this versatile sauce.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and fluffy knots brushed with garlic butter; they’re perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the marinara.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender makes a healthy and colorful side dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Filled with cheese and herbs, these savory bites are great alongside marinara.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil provides a fresh start to your meal.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini tossed in marinara makes an excellent healthy alternative.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Simple Marinara Sauce can be easy, but it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds depth and flavor. Always sauté it until fragrant to enhance your sauce.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: The taste of your marinara heavily relies on the tomatoes. Choose high-quality crushed tomatoes for a richer flavor.
- Not simmering long enough: A quick simmer won’t develop the flavors fully. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 15 minutes, ideally up to 45.
- Ignoring seasoning: Salt and pepper balance flavors. Always taste your sauce before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Overcooking basil: Basil loses its fresh flavor when cooked too long. Add it near the end or use fresh for garnishing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Simple Marinara Sauce
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Simple Marinara Sauce
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Simple Marinara Sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! You can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them first for the same texture.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers during cooking for extra heat!
What is the best way to serve Simple Marinara Sauce?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta, grilled meats, or even as a pizza sauce.
Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?
Yes, feel free to use another cooking oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Marinara Sauce is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables, proteins, or different herbs. Give it a try and enjoy its fresh flavors with your favorite dishes!
Simple Marinara Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Create a delicious Simple Marinara Sauce that brightens up any meal with its fresh, vibrant flavors. This homemade sauce is a must-have for every kitchen, perfect for tossing with pasta, slathering on pizzas, or even as a dip. With just five key ingredients and a quick cooking time of 20 minutes, you’ll have a versatile sauce ready to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests during special occasions. Using fresh basil and garlic ensures an aromatic and rich taste that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s healthy and can be made ahead, making dinner planning a breeze.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2–3 sprigs fresh basil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes; add basil sprigs.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes; longer if time allows.
- Remove basil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider simmering the sauce longer or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, a pinch of sugar can balance acidity from the tomatoes.
