Easy Marinara Sauce
Learn how to make homemade marinara sauce in only 2 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. This simple, healthy recipe tastes way better than any Italian sauce you can buy in a jar, and it’s totally vegan. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.
Why I love this easy marinara sauce
If I had to claim one meal as my go-to dinner recipe, this 2 minute marinara sauce would be it. Whenever I’ve failed to prep a recipe for dinner, or forgotten to take something out of the freezer for the night, I almost always make this. It’s been a life saver and a belly filler for many years.
I can even remember the first time I made it. I had just moved to Texas to be with Marc (almost ten years ago now), and I had no idea how to make my own pasta sauce so I called my mom to ask her what to do. Her recipe wasn’t as exact, and it was basically just her saying, “Cook some garlic in oil and then add tomatoes and basil.”
We all start somewhere, right? Since then, I’ve nailed down an actual recipe for making this simple marinara sauce, and it turns out perfect every single time – as opposed to the overly garlicky accidents I used to make. It goes like this: 1 can of tomatoes + 2 garlic cloves + 2 teaspoons dried basil + 1 teaspoon dried parsley = miracle marinara sauce.
A pinch of salt is optional, but since we’ve been dairy free, we usually opt for the extra salt because without the added cheese we like a little extra flavor-enhancer. I’ve even started using pre-minced garlic, and you should do the same. It will save you about 5 minutes, which could be the difference between you actually making the recipe instead of choosing to order takeout.
And, yes. We choose this meal over takeout all the time. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve begged Marc to get takeout because I was tired, or lazy, or just didn’t want to cook, and by the time we sit down to order it, I change my mind.
Because, you can literally have this meal on the table in half the amount of time for a fraction of the cost of that takeout. If you make a pound of pasta with this marinara sauce, you can actually feed a family of four for under five dollars. Five dollars. You can probably even stretch the sauce to cover 1.5 pounds of pasta if you’re really hungry.
If you’re feeling fancy or trying to impress someone, try adding fresh basil when you serve your pasta. It’s a game changer, I promise. Or try it with some giant baked meatballs.
If you like this recipe, you have to try this red wine pasta sauce or this vegan vodka sauce. This cauliflower alfredo sauce is a dairy-free version of classic alfredo, and you won’t even be able to tell. Plus, it includes added nutrients from cauliflower – so that’s a win!
Searching for more pasta recipes? Pork ragu / Spicy miso pasta / Jambalaya pasta / Pasta with broccoli / Pasta fresca
Ingredients & substitutions
- Crushed tomatoes – I almost always opt for crushed tomatoes when I make a pasta sauce. The crushed tomatoes offer a perfect balance between the smoothness of tomato sauce and the chunkiness of diced tomatoes.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic or pre minced garlic will work for this recipe. But, if you can press your own garlic for this sauce, you should – it has the best flavor.
- Basil and parsley – My go to seasoning for pasta sauce, dried basil and parsley. You can add some fresh herbs for garnish if you like.
Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed below are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.
The following is a detailed overview of the recipe steps with added tips and tricks for recipe success. For a simplified and printable version, including ingredient amounts and more formal instructions, see the recipe card below.
How to make the best marinara sauce
Simmer the garlic. Add olive oil to a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and crushed red peppers, if using, and sauté until the garlic is fragrant. This should take only about 30 seconds to 1 minute, and you will be able to smell the garlic.
Cook the tomatoes. Add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan. Stir to combine and continue to cook until the tomatoes are heated through. Simmer until ready to use, or remove from heat. If you are not planning to use the sauce right away, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.
FAQs and tips for making the best marinara sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 1 28- ounce cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil and minced garlic over medium heat.
- Once garlic is fragrant, allow it to cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine.
- Continue cooking until tomatoes are heated through. Simmer until ready to use.
