Simple Quick Marinara Sauce

marinara sauce with basil in glass bowl with wooden spoon

5 from 1 vote

Simple Quick Marinara Sauce

Savor the simplicity of this delicious homemade marinara sauce, blending rich tomatoes, aromatic onions and garlic, and fresh basil for an authentic Italian sauce. Typically enough for 1 pound of pasta (4 to 6 servings).

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: cups

Calories: 69kcal

Author: Marie

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
1/2 large onion chopped (or a large few chunks in a pinch)
1 clove garlic smashed (minced for stronger flavor)
28 ounces crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce, or tomato puree)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flake
1/2 cup fresh basil or a few cubes of the frozen version

Instructions

Sauté the Onions to Perfection: In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and turn translucent, releasing their savory aroma.
Blend in the Flavorful Ingredients: Stir in the remaining ingredients, except for the basil, creating a harmonious medley of flavors with the tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings.
Achieve the Ideal Consistency: Add enough water to achieve the desired sauce consistency, ensuring it's thin enough to coat the back of a spoon while still maintaining a luscious texture. As a rule of thumb, adding about 1/3 of the volume of the empty tomato can should do the trick.
Simmer to Delectable Delight: Cover the pot with a lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and let the sauce gently simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld and deepen into a tantalizing marinara.
Basil's Finishing Touch: Stir in the fresh basil, infusing the sauce with its delightful herbal notes. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes to fully integrate the basil's aroma and taste.
Fine-Tune the Flavor: Give your marinara a taste and make any necessary adjustments. Add salt and pepper to your liking, elevating the taste to perfection. For an extra touch of richness, drizzle a bit more olive oil if desired, adding a luxurious finish.

Notes

This makes enough sauce to generously coat 1 pound of pasta.

Nutrition calculated for 6 servings.

Storage and Make Ahead

Refrigeration: Once the marinara sauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the sauce is completely cooled before sealing it in the container to prevent condensation.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the marinara sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It's an excellent time-saving option for busy weeknights or planned gatherings. Simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop before serving.

Freezing: If you want to keep the sauce for a more extended period, freezing is a great option. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags. Ensure you leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezer Duration: Marinara sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.

Thawing and Reheating: When ready to use, thaw the frozen marinara sauce in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.

Nutrition