Hearty Marinara Sauce Recipe
This hearty marinara sauce comes together in just 30 minutes with six simple ingredients. Thick, rich, and full of fresh basil flavor, it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, dipping, or building your favorite Italian-inspired meals.
Servings 6 people
Calories 90kcal
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 5-6 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½-1 teaspoon salt to taste -- some tomatoes may be saltier than others.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot on medium high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds. Stirring constantly.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 5-6 cloves fresh garlic
- Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper if desired.1 28-ounce crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½-1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Stir ingredients together. Cover with lid and lower heat to medium low.
- Cover and allow to simmer for 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the basil and cook for 5 minutes more. Taste and add more salt and pepper as needed.¼ cup fresh basil
Notes
- Don’t brown the garlic. Cook just until fragrant (30–60 seconds) to prevent bitterness.
- Simmer covered. This allows the flavors to meld without over-reducing or splattering. Remove the lid during the last few minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce.
- Taste before adjusting. Tomato acidity varies — add salt or a pinch of sugar only after tasting.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan. It distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching.
Nutrition
Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 415mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 399IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2mg
