Easy Marinara Sauce

Every time I think of cozy nights in, the aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs fills my mind. That’s why the Easy Marinara Sauce is a staple in my kitchen. Growing up, my family would gather around, eagerly awaiting dinner as the rich scent of garlic and olive oil danced through the air. It’s a simple dish that brings back memories of laughter and warmth, reminding me of the comfort found in home-cooked meals. I love how this sauce can elevate any pasta or serve as a base for various dishes. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and packed with flavor. This sauce has become my go-to recipe for everything from lasagna to dipping breadsticks. Whether you’re cooking for family or just looking to treat yourself, you’ll find that homemade marinara is the way to go.

Shopping List for Easy Marinara Sauce

The foundation of the Easy Marinara Sauce lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating a balanced and delicious sauce. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the taste but also bring vibrant colors to your dish. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This serves as the base for your sauce, adding richness and flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant depth to the sauce.
• 1/2 medium onion, diced: Onion adds sweetness and texture to the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
• 1 (32-ounce can) crushed tomatoes: This is the star ingredient, forming the base of your marinara.
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano: A classic herb in marinara, giving it that Italian flair.
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme: Adds an earthiness that complements the tomatoes.
• pinch red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat in their sauce.
• 1-2 whole carrots, diced: Adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• splash balsamic vinegar: This balances the acidity and enhances the sauce’s depth.

Recipe Steps for Easy Marinara Sauce

Cooking the Easy Marinara Sauce is an enjoyable process that allows you to savor each step. Follow along, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious sauce that elevates any meal. Here’s how to get started:

1. Begin by pouring olive oil into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready for the next step.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes, until they become tender and fragrant. This is where the magic of flavors starts!
3. If you’re using carrots, now is the time to add them. Toss in the diced carrots along with the onions. They will help to balance out the sweetness in the sauce.
4. Next, it’s time to add all the remaining ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, ground black pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Once mixed, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
6. Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about thirty minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a food processor and blend it.
8. After blending, return the sauce to the heat and let it simmer for an additional five minutes. This will ensure the flavors are well integrated.
9. Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It’s now perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce!

Recipe Tips about Easy Marinara Sauce

To achieve the best results with your Easy Marinara Sauce, here are some helpful tips to consider:

• Storage: After cooking, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove until heated through.
• Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Pairing: This sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi. It can also be used as a base for lasagna or served with meatballs.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with herbs; add fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic twist. You can also try adding a bay leaf during simmering for added depth.
• Texture: For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step. Just simmer until thickened to your liking.

Best Served With

When it comes to serving your Easy Marinara Sauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Spaghetti: This classic pairing never disappoints. Toss freshly cooked spaghetti with the sauce and top with grated cheese.
• Lasagna: Layer your sauce between sheets of pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella for a delicious lasagna that everyone will love.
• Pizza: Use this sauce as a base on homemade pizzas for a fresh and flavorful alternative to store-bought sauces.
• Meatballs: Serve meatballs in this marinara for a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Garlic Bread: Don’t forget to serve with garlic bread for dipping! It’s a perfect way to enjoy every drop of sauce.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the sauce as a topping for stuffed bell peppers before baking for added flavor.
• Seasonal Pairings: In the cooler months, this sauce is a comforting staple. During the summer, pair it with fresh garden vegetables for a light meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Easy Marinara Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or for elevating your favorite dishes. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find that the homemade taste is truly unbeatable!

Easy Marinara Sauce

The ultimate comfort food: Easy Marinara Sauce. This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta lovers and can elevate any meal. Homemade and simple, this sauce is a must-try for a satisfying dinner tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 120 kcal

Equipment

• Saucepan (2 quart)
• Immersion Blender

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 32-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme
• pinch red pepper flakes
• 1-2 whole carrots, diced
• splash balsamic vinegar

Instructions

 

• Begin by pouring olive oil into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s ready for the next step.
• Add the minced garlic and diced onions to the pan. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, for about five minutes, until they become tender and fragrant. This is where the magic of flavors starts!
• If you’re using carrots, now is the time to add them. Toss in the diced carrots along with the onions. They will help to balance out the sweetness in the sauce.
• Next, it’s time to add all the remaining ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, kosher salt, ground black pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Once mixed, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more red pepper flakes.
• Let the sauce simmer over medium-low heat for about thirty minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired texture. Alternatively, transfer the sauce to a food processor and blend it.
• After blending, return the sauce to the heat and let it simmer for an additional five minutes. This will ensure the flavors are well integrated.
• Once ready, remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. It’s now perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce!

Notes

• Tip 1: After cooking, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove until heated through.
• Tip 2: This sauce freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Tip 3: This sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, or even gnocchi. It can also be used as a base for lasagna or served with meatballs.
• Tip 4: Feel free to experiment with herbs; add fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic twist. You can also try adding a bay leaf during simmering for added depth.
• Tip 5: For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step. Just simmer until thickened to your liking.

Keyword easy pasta sauce, homemade marinara, Italian sauce recipe, quick marinara sauce

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Meet Eva Sterling

I have a restless palate and I love that our blog covers such a wide range of food. I am always excited to cook something we haven’t tried before. I jump into every cooking session with enthusiasm, ready to chop, sauté, bake, or grill. I love the collaborative energy of our kitchen we all learn from each other, and that makes every dish we publish better.