Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a pot of simmering marinara sauce bubbling away on the stove. The aroma of garlic and herbs fills the kitchen, instantly transporting you to an Italian trattoria. This Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe is not only bursting with freshness and flavor but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for pasta nights, pizza parties, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers, this marinara is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation

This Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce is a game changer. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. What sets it apart is its versatility. You can use it as a base for a classic spaghetti dish, layer it in a lasagna, or even serve it alongside crusty bread for a delightful appetizer. Plus, it’s ready in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The flavors are bright, fresh, and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never reach for a jarred sauce again.

Shopping List

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely minced scallions (better done in a food processor)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, finely minced, divided
• 1 large can of crushed tomatoes (no salt added preferred)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see note)

Prep & Cook Tools

• Large pot or saucepan – for cooking the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce.
• Knife and cutting board – for chopping scallions and basil.
• Food processor – for finely mincing scallions (optional but recommended).
• Measuring spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements.

Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce: How It’s Done

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

In a large pot or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up, releasing its rich flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Scallions

Add the finely minced scallions to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become tender and fragrant. The scallions will add a sweet, mild onion flavor to the sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Oregano

Stir in the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of the dried oregano. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. The aroma will be heavenly!

Step 4: Pour in the Crushed Tomatoes

Carefully pour in the large can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and watch as the vibrant red sauce comes to life.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

Add 3/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Simmer and Stir

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup of the finely minced fresh basil leaves. This will give your marinara sauce a fresh, herbaceous kick.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce is now ready to be enjoyed with your favorite pasta, pizza, or bread!

Holiday-Friendly Variations

• Add a splash of red wine during the simmering stage for a deeper flavor.
• Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture.
• Mix in cooked ground turkey or beef for a heartier sauce.
• For a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Behind the Recipe

This Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce recipe is inspired by traditional Italian cooking, where fresh ingredients take center stage. The use of scallions instead of onions provides a milder flavor, making it perfect for those who prefer a less pungent taste. The combination of dried oregano and fresh basil captures the essence of Italian cuisine, while the crushed tomatoes create a rich, smooth base. It’s a recipe that celebrates simplicity and freshness, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something extraordinary.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To store your Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy use later on. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from the freezer on the stovetop over low heat.

Your Top Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Absolutely! If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can peel and crush them to create your own crushed tomato base. Just remember that you’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace a large can of crushed tomatoes.

Is there a way to make this sauce sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter marinara sauce, you can add a teaspoon of sugar or honey while the sauce is simmering. This will balance out the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.

Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes! This marinara sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer as mentioned earlier. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

What can I serve with marinara sauce?

This Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce for garlic bread and mozzarella sticks. The possibilities are endless!

Bring It to the Table

Gather your loved ones and bring this delicious Quick Homemade Marinara Sauce to the table. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti or using it as a dip for freshly baked breadsticks, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the flavors, the aromas, and the joy of sharing a meal made with love. Your family and friends will appreciate the effort you put into creating this delightful sauce, and they’ll be asking for seconds in no time!