Quick Marinara Sauce

A simple and authentic marinara sauce made in 45 minutes with only five ingredients.

This quick marinara sauce recipe delivers rich Italian flavors with just five basic ingredients and no chopping. Perfect for busy weeknights, the sauce simmers for 45 minutes to develop its deep flavors, making it ideal for pasta and pizza toppings.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

Full Ingredient List

1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes
1 medium yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Salt to taste

Marinara Sauce

Tools and Equipment

medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
sturdy wooden spoon

Ingredients

Quantity	Name	Preparation Notes	Substitutions
28 ounces	whole peeled tomatoes	use canned, with juices	crushed tomatoes
1 medium	yellow onion	peeled and halved	red onion
2	large cloves garlic	peeled but whole	garlic powder
2 tablespoons	extra-virgin olive oil		butter
1 teaspoon	dried oregano		Italian seasoning
Pinch	red pepper flakes	optional	cayenne pepper
to taste	salt	if necessary	kosher salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the tomatoes with their juices, onion halves, garlic cloves, olive oil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. (Tips: It is important to use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.)
Step 2: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Then lower the heat to maintain a slow, steady simmer for about 45 minutes, or until oil droplets separate from the tomatoes. (Tips: Do not cover the pot to allow the sauce to reduce.)
Step 3: Stir occasionally, crushing the tomatoes against the side of the pot after 15 minutes of cooking. (Tips: Adjust the texture to your preference by crushing more if desired.)
Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat. Discard the onion, smash the garlic cloves against the side of the pot, then stir the smashed garlic into the sauce. (Tips: An immersion blender can be used for a smoother sauce.)
Step 5: Season with salt to taste, as the tomatoes may already be salty. Serve warm. (Tips: Add fresh basil or Parmesan cheese when serving for extra flavor.)

Nutritional Information

Calories: 100
Protein: 1g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

Additional Information

Notes: The quality of the tomatoes is crucial for the flavor. Muir Glen canned tomatoes are recommended.

Background: This recipe is inspired by Marcella Hazan’s classic Italian cooking methods.

Geographic Region: Italy

Seasonality: All seasons

Occasion: casual dinner

Recommended Pairings

pasta
grated Parmesan
red wine