Name: Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 (28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes; 1 small onion, finely diced (approx 1 cup); 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This easy marinara sauce is a classic, flavorful base that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. Made with simple ingredients and fresh herbs, it comes together quickly for a homemade touch any day of the week.

A large white pot is filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture with small bits of herbs visible. Inside the pot, a light wooden spoon stirs the sauce, creating swirls and raised ridges on the surface. Around the pot, fresh green basil leaves and sprigs of thyme are scattered on a white marbled surface. To the right of the pot is a stack of white plates, partly visible. The overall scene is bright and clean, highlighting the deep red color of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 small onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the kosher salt and chopped thyme. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately or use in your favorite recipes.

Tips & Variations

For a smoother sauce, blend it gently with an immersion blender before adding basil.
Substitute dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, using about 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce with visible small chunks and herbs, giving it a textured look. A wooden spoon is dipped into the sauce, slightly lifting some of it, leaving swirled patterns on the surface. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with part of a white plate visible at the edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned whole tomatoes instead of crushed?

Yes, you can use canned whole tomatoes. Simply crush them by hand or with a spoon before adding to the pot.

How do I make this sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce the liquid, or stir in a small amount of tomato paste at Step 3 for extra thickness and richness.