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5.0 from 6 votes

Easy Marinara Sauce

This easy marinara sauce recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients, and you'll be thrilled how simple it is to master in your own kitchen! It's freezer friendly and can be used in so many ways.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 6 (makes a bit over 2.5 cups)
Calories: 109 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American Fussion

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 (28 fluid ounce) can crushed tomatoes see note
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional
  • 3 prigs fresh basil + more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar or more, to taste (optional)
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the oil and garlic to a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the garlic starts to sizzle, give it a stir, and let it cook for about 30 seconds (do not let it burn).
  2. Stir in the tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Gently add in the fresh basil sprigs.
  3. Let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes (turn the heat way down so it doesn't splatter too much).
  4. Take out the basil sprigs and season generously with salt & pepper. If the sauce tastes a bit acidic, add in some sugar, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it suits your tastebuds. I like to add some fresh chopped/torn basil on top if serving over pasta.This sauce will be quite thick (great for coating pasta). Thin it out with a splash of dry wine (white or red) or some hot pasta water if needed.

Notes

  • Be sure to use good quality ingredients (this recipe uses minimal ingredients and the flavors will all shine through).
  • You may use whole canned tomatoes instead of crushed. I recommend San Marzano tomatoes (and use the juices too!). You may need to blend the sauce at the end with an immersion blender to make it nice and smooth. My favorite brands of canned tomatoes include DeLallo, Mutti, and Muir Glen.
  • This recipe makes a bit over 2.5 cups (around 2 3/4 cups).

Nutrition Information

Calories 109kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 11g (4%) Protein 2g (4%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Sodium 175mg (7%) Potassium 400mg (11%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 344IU (7%) Vitamin C 13mg (14%) Calcium 52mg (5%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6(makes a bit over 2.5 cups)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 109

% Daily Value*

Calories 109kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 11g 4%
Protein 2g 4%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 5g 25%
Sodium 175mg 7%
Potassium 400mg 9%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 344IU 7%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 52mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.