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–+ servings

Delicious Homemade Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights

This homemade marinara sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make choice for enhancing pasta dishes, bringing comfort and nutrition without preservatives.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil a rich, flavorful foundation that adds depth to your sauce.
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped, provides a wonderful base flavor.
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness.
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes the star of the show, brings a vibrant, tangy flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste adds thickness and intense tomato flavor.
For the Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano complements the tomatoes beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil enhances the sauce's comfort-food vibe.
  • 1 pinch sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • 1 teaspoon salt essential for bringing out natural flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked, adds a hint of warmth.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped, added for freshness.
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving, adds umami richness.

Equipment

  • Saucepan

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
  2. Pour in a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes followed by 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the sauce to bubble softly for about 10 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and a pinch of sugar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir the seasonings into the sauce, letting them infuse their wonderful flavors.
  4. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary; consider adding a pinch more salt or sugar for balance. If desired, mix in a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick!
  5. Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Optionally, stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Store your homemade marinara sauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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