Homemade Marinara Sauce doesn’t get any easier! This requires just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes on the stove for a memorable Italian Marinara. Everyone needs a great pasta sauce in their recipe collection and this one is a keeper.

Homemade marinara sauce in saucepan

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What is Marinara Sauce?

Mariana is the same thing as a pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce. It is a tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It originated in Italy and is used in many Italian-American dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Ingredients for Marinara Sauce:

The ingredients are pantry staples that we always keep on hand so it’s easy to whip up. Since the ingredient list is very short, make sure to source the best quality ingredients you can find.

We used extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor and “San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes.” San Marzano is an Italian variety of plum tomato and the gold standard of Italian Marinara.

Ingredients for marinara sauce recipe with crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, oregano and olive oil

Can I Substitute Fresh Tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes would essentially have to be turned into crushed tomatoes with the added steps of blanching and peeling the tomatoes then simmering them down to the correct consistency which will really increase the time for making homemade marinara.

If you’re looking for a marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes, make sure to check out our Mushroom Mariana Sauce.

Italian Marinara Sauce in pan garnished with fresh basil

How to Make Marinara Sauce:

A saucepan and spatula are all you need to make a homemade marinara sauce that tastes better than any canned version. Watch the Video Tutorial below and you will memorize this recipe in no time.

  1. Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Add diced onion and saute until soft (5 minutes), then stir in garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
  3. Stir in chopped fresh basil and remove from heat.

Step by step tutorial how to make homemade pasta sauce

Watch the Marinara Sauce Video Tutorial:

I hope this Marinara recipe becomes a new favorite go-to recipe for you. P.S. If this video doesn’t load right away, give it a few seconds. You’ll see a faded horizontal image of pasta sauce then click the play button in the center. To view the video, make sure to temporarily pause your ad blockers on your browser.

Our Favorite Ways to Use Pasta Sauce:

This recipe is so versatile. Use it for any recipe that calls for Marinara Sauce.

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Homemade Marinara Sauce

5 from 637 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Homemade Marinara Sauce doesn't get any easier! This requires just a handful of ingredients and 20 minutes on the stove for a memorable Italian Marinara.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 3 cups of marinara sauce

Instructions

  • Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 min). Add minced garlic and stir 1 min, or until fragrant.
  • Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano,  1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
  • Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil then turn off the heat.

Nutrition Per Serving

180kcal Calories22g Carbs5g Protein10g Fat1g Saturated Fat738mg Sodium814mg Potassium5g Fiber12g Sugar604IU Vitamin A27mg Vitamin C105mg Calcium4mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Marinara Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
180
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
1
g
6
%
Sodium
 
738
mg
32
%
Potassium
 
814
mg
23
%
Carbohydrates
 
22
g
7
%
Fiber
 
5
g
21
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
5
g
10
%
Vitamin A
 
604
IU
12
%
Vitamin C
 
27
mg
33
%
Calcium
 
105
mg
11
%
Iron
 
4
mg
22
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: marinara sauce
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 180

If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Comments

  • Linda
    March 16, 2024

    You have some of the best and easiest recipes. I love them. You were doing one I was watching about in cheese sticks . I was called away and didn’t get it. Can you get it again. I love moz cheese sticks. Thanks

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 16, 2024

      Hi Linda! You can use the search bar at the very top of the page to look up any recipe, like my Mozzarella Cheese Sticks recipe here.

      Reply

  • Susan Haverstock
    March 12, 2024

    I keep trying to post a comment but it says I have a duplicate comment. I do not. so trying again…

    can I make the marinara sauce a day ahead? Should I add the fresh basil in if making it ahead?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 13, 2024

      Hi Susan! Yes. To Store Homemade Marinara Sauce: transfer to a sealed jar or Tupperware container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. You can add the basil when you initially make the sauce or add it fresh when you reheat the sauce.

      Reply

  • Susan Haverstock
    March 12, 2024

    can I make the marinara sauce a day ahead? Should I add the fresh basil in if making it ahead?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 12, 2024

      Hi Susan! Yes. To Store Homemade Marinara Sauce: transfer to a sealed jar or Tupperware container and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. You can add the basil when you initially make the sauce or add it fresh when you reheat the sauce.

      Reply

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