If you’re looking for a reliable classic that takes almost no effort but tastes as if it’s been simmering for hours, this Super Simple Marinara Sauce is about to become your new go-to. With just a few essential ingredients and a fragrant, slow-stovetop method, it delivers rich, comforting flavors that taste like pure Italian sunshine in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Simplicity: You only need a handful of pantry ingredients—no chopping, no fancy steps, pure ease.
- Big, Authentic Flavor: The slow simmer draws out a depth usually reserved for sauces with much longer ingredient lists.
- Versatile Base: Spoon it over pasta, use it for pizza, or as a dip; Super Simple Marinara Sauce shines everywhere.
- Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free: This sauce suits nearly every table and every dietary need without modification.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about simplicity—every item in Super Simple Marinara Sauce is chosen for maximum impact and minimum fuss. These humble ingredients fuse to create a sauce with layers of balanced, bright, and robust flavor.
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes (28-ounce can): The backbone of the sauce, high-quality canned tomatoes offer rich flavor and texture. Muir Glen or San Marzano tomatoes are especially lovely here.
- Yellow Onion (halved): Simmered right in the sauce, it infuses gentle sweetness and depth without ever becoming overpowering.
- Garlic Cloves (whole): They offer an aromatic warmth that turns mellow and sweet as they cook, then blend seamlessly into the sauce at the end.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds body and silkiness, helping every other flavor bloom while lending a beautiful golden sheen.
- Dried Oregano: For that essential, earthy Italian fragrance—just enough to conjure old-world charm.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch gives the sauce gentle heat. Skip it if you’re sensitive to spice!
- Salt (to taste): Brightens the sauce and draws out the natural flavors in your tomatoes.
- Optional for Serving: Fresh basil, Parmesan or vegan Parmesan, extra olive oil, or your favorite hot cooked pasta.
Variations
This Super Simple Marinara Sauce is a blank canvas, ready for your favorite flavors or last-minute pantry swaps. Customize it to match your cravings, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand—there’s almost no way to go wrong.
- Fresh Herbs: Swap or supplement the dried oregano with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end for a bright, herbal kick.
- Smooth or Chunky: Blend the sauce with an immersion or regular blender for a velvety finish, or leave it a little chunky for a more rustic, homey vibe.
- Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell pepper, carrot, or zucchini at the start for extra nutrition and subtle sweetness—perfect if you like your sauce packed with hidden veggies.
- Bump Up the Umami: Stir in a spoonful of tomato paste, a few chopped olives, or a splash of balsamic vinegar for more complex flavor.
How to Make Super Simple Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Combine Everything in the Pot
Grab a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan and toss in the whole peeled tomatoes with all their juices, plus your halved onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re adding a little kick. There’s no need to chop—the ingredients burst with flavor just as they are.
Step 2: Simmer Slow and Low
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to keep it at a slow, steady bubble. Let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring now and then. After the first 15 minutes, gently crush the tomatoes against the pot’s side with a spoon as they soften—this helps to thicken the sauce and release all those sweet, jammy tomato flavors.
Step 3: Final Touches—Smash & Season
Once your sauce is thick and oil droplets appear on top, fish out the onion and discard it (it’s done its job!). Smash the softened garlic cloves and stir them into the sauce for even more flavor. Crush any stubborn tomato bits to your liking, or blend if preferred. Finally, season gently with salt—remember most canned tomatoes are salty already, so taste as you go.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Serve your Super Simple Marinara Sauce warm over pasta, spoon onto pizza, or keep it as a dreamy dipping sauce. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil—absolute heaven!
Pro Tips for Making Super Simple Marinara Sauce
- Tomato Choice is Everything: Use the best whole canned tomatoes you can find—Muir Glen or authentic San Marzano deliver unbeatable sweetness and depth.
- Let it Simmer Uncovered: Keep the lid off so the sauce can reduce and intensify, transforming into that luscious, spoon-coating perfection.
- Don’t Overdo the Salt: Always taste the tomatoes first—some brands are saltier than others. Less is more; you can always add a pinch at the end.
- Crush & Blend Your Way: For a rustic feel, use a wooden spoon to break up tomatoes by hand; for ultra-smooth sauce, blitz with a blender right at the end.
How to Serve Super Simple Marinara Sauce
Garnishes
Top your Super Simple Marinara Sauce with ribbons of fresh basil, a snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, or an extra swirl of olive oil for a finishing touch. These simple garnishes make each bite pop and add that special homemade feeling we all crave.
Side Dishes
This sauce begs to be twirled up with spaghetti or penne, but it’s also sensational spooned over roasted vegetables, as a dip for crusty garlic bread, or alongside a crisp green salad. Try it as a bed for baked eggs or a red base for pizza night—the possibilities are endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your marinara sauce in mini ramekins as a dip at parties, drizzle it over grilled polenta, or use it as a base for shakshuka-style baked eggs. For a cozy family meal, ladle it generously onto a platter of freshly cooked pasta and let everyone help themselves with all the fixings on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Super Simple Marinara Sauce stores like a dream. Cool it to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, ready for last-minute meals and snacks.
Freezing
If you want homemade comfort at your fingertips, this sauce freezes perfectly. Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (leave a bit of room at the top for expansion) and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently over low heat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it bubbles gently. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick, and taste for seasoning before serving—it’ll be as fresh as day one.
FAQs
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Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of whole peeled tomatoes?
Absolutely! Crushed tomatoes work just fine in Super Simple Marinara Sauce, but the texture will be less chunky and slightly smoother. If using crushed tomatoes, you may want to simmer for a little less time and still taste for seasoning at the end.
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Is this sauce spicy with the red pepper flakes?
Only a little pinch of red pepper flakes is used, so there’s a gentle warmth rather than true heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to leave them out—your Super Simple Marinara Sauce will still be delicious!
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Do I have to remove the onion at the end?
Removing the onion keeps the sauce smooth while infusing just the right amount of sweetness and flavor. If you spot any tiny bits left, simply smash and stir them in—they melt right in and add extra body.
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Can I double the recipe?
You sure can! Just use a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume and expect to simmer a bit longer so the flavors concentrate. Super Simple Marinara Sauce is perfect for batching and freezing for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
Give this Super Simple Marinara Sauce a try and discover just how easy, vibrant, and adaptable made-from-scratch Italian cooking can be. I hope it brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine—happy simmering!
Print
Super Simple Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for homemade marinara sauce that is bursting with flavor. This simple marinara sauce is made with quality tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano, perfect for pasta dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 large can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved
- 2 large cloves garlic, peeled but left whole
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, omit if sensitive to spice)
- Salt, to taste (if necessary)
Optional for serving:
- Cooked pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese or vegan Parmesan
- Chopped fresh basil
- Additional olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tomatoes (with their juices), halved onion, garlic cloves, olive oil, oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat, then lower the heat to keep the sauce at a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until droplets of oil float free of the tomatoes. Stir occasionally, and use a sturdy wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes against the side of the pot after the sauce has cooked for about 15 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and discard the onion. Smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pot with a fork, then stir the smashed garlic into the sauce. Do the same with any tiny onion pieces you might find. Use the wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes to your liking (you can blend this sauce smooth with an immersion blender or stand blender, if desired).
- Add salt, to taste (the tomatoes are already pretty salty, so you might just need a pinch). Serve warm. This sauce keeps well, covered and refrigerated, for up to 4 days. Freeze it for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Tomato note: Using high-quality tomatoes is key here. I recommend Muir Glen tomatoes. They’re organic and the cans are BPA-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
