Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Easy marinara sauce in a skillet with a wooden spoon

Marinara Sauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Author: Nico Pallotta

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) (800 grams) whole peeled tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 grams) water
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 2 twists black pepper
  • 10 leaves fresh basil

  • Start by finely chopping 1 onion and mincing 3 cloves garlic.
    Add 2 cans (15 ounces each) whole peeled tomatoes to a mixing bowl. Rinse the cans with 1 cup water and add that, too.
    Chop the tomatoes with scissors, crush them with your hands, or blend them with an immersion blender.
    hand using scissors to cut whole peeled tomatoes
  • Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add chopped onion and sauté on medium heat for 4 minutes, stirring often.
    Add minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and sauté for one more minute.
    onion and red pepper flakes in a blue skillet
  • Add the tomatoes and season with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 twists black pepper.
    Simmer on medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes or until you reach your desired consistency.
    Tip: while the sauce simmers, you can cook 12 ounces/340 grams of spaghetti in salted boiling water.
    hand adding oregano to marinara sauce
  • A minute before turning the heat off, stir in 10 leaves fresh basil, chopped.
    Taste and adjust for salt, and your marinara sauce is ready.
    Marinara sauce in a skillet with a wooden spoon

MAKE IT A MEAL

  • Turn marinara sauce into a nutritious, high-protein, and satisfying meal by serving it with our tofu meatballs on spaghetti.
    See "serving suggestions" chapter linked below.
    tofu meatballs with marinara sauce and spaghetti in a bowl
Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 serving of marinara sauce out of 4 servings without the pasta. 
STORAGE & MAKE AHEAD
Make Ahead: this marinara recipe is excellent for meal prep because it keeps well in the fridge, and its flavor gets richer on the second day.
Refrigerator: store in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Freezer: marinara freezes well. Let the sauce cool down completely, transfer it to a freezer-friendly container (we use a small mason jar), and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or the microwave.
Reheat: warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. We recommend adding fresh basil as you reheat the sauce.
ALSO ON THIS PAGE
QR Code linking back to recipe