Hearty Marinara Sauce
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This Homemade Hearty Marinara Sauce is a simple, flavor-packed alternative to store-bought marinara.
With just 5 ingredients and a handful of spices, you can whip up a rich, tomato-based sauce perfect for all your favorite Italian dishes!
I’m all for jarred marinara when the time is right, but after making my own, I realized how quick, affordable, and rewarding it is to create a homemade version. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a rich, homemade sauce in no time. Wait until you see how easy it all comes together!
I also love this homemade alfredo sauce and bolognese sauce to create more quick and easy homemade dinners.
Simple ingredients
You’ll find a full list of ingredients in the pasta sauce recipe card below.
- Crushed Tomatoes – I prefer San Marzano tomatoes. Although I use canned tomatoes, you can certainly use fresh tomatoes from your garden, just be sure to remove the skin. If you like a chunky sauce, use whole or diced tomatoes.
- Yellow onion – The onion should be diced to a fine consistency.
- Garlic—Feel free to use more or less. If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Granulated Sugar – The added sugar cuts the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Dried Basil – You can add some fresh basil at the end, but dried basil works better when you simmer the sauce. I’ve substituted Italian Seasoning in place of basil, and it was delicious.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Add more or less depending on how much heat you prefer.
- Water – You can also use chicken broth.
How to make classic marinara sauce recipe
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic cloves and diced onion to the pan. Saute stirring constantly until the onion turns translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 2: Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
Step 3: Simmer for 20 minutes. Add water or chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should be thicker for pizza and thinner for pasta.
Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta shape and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. For a complete guide to every type of pasta, check out this A-to-Z Pasta Guide.
Ways to use hearty marinara sauce
- Dipping Sauce: This Italian sauce is perfect for dipping mozzarella sticks, cheesy garlic bread, and breaded artichoke hearts.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Add ground beef, roasted vegetables, or meatballs for a hearty weeknight dinner.
- Main dish: Try sausage manicotti, lasagna, eggplant parmigiana, a meatball, or an Italian sausage sub sandwich with this homemade sauce.
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Hearty Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon Olives Oil
- 1/4 cup Diced Onion
- 2 cloves Diced Garlic
- 1 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- 1/4 cup Water
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion to the pan and saute until the onion turns translucent. Add garlic and saute for 2 more minutes or until fragrant, stirring occasionally.2 Tablespoon Olives Oil, 1/4 cup Diced Onion, 2 cloves Diced Garlic
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to the skillet.1 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Basil, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1/4 teaspoon Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
- Continue cooking the sauce, until the sauce reaches a low simmer. Reduce heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer for 25 – 30 minutes.
- Add water to get the consistency you prefer.1/4 cup Water
Notes
- You will have enough sauce for 16 ounces of pasta.
- Red pepper flakes are optional.
- If the sauce thickens more than you would like, you can thin out with additional water.
- If using whole tomatoes you can either add the tomatoes to a blender or use an immersion blender to get a smooth sauce.
- If you want to use this recipe as pizza sauce, you can omit the water and add 1 – 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- For large families, double or triple the recipe.
- Add a parmesan rind to build flavor in the sauce while the soup simmers.
- Garnish with fresh basil ribbons.
