Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a quintessential Italian classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This simple yet flavorful sauce combines ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, creating a vibrant addition to pasta dishes, pizzas, or dipping options. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this timeless favorite that will impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices and gently break them up with a wooden spoon.
- Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Stir in torn basil leaves.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; finish with more fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added depth, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or fresh oregano for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.