How to Make Classic Marinara Sauce from Scratch

The most delicious homemade Simple Marinara Sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, shallots and fresh herbs. This family favorite is easy to prepare and will become a go-to sauce for pasta, pizza, casseroles and more.

Every cook should have a reliable homemade marinara sauce in their repertoire. This Simple Marinara Sauce delivers rich tomato flavor, plenty of garlic, and bright herb notes while remaining incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, your stovetop will do the rest. For maximum depth of flavor, simmer for about an hour; if you’re short on time, 20–30 minutes still produces a tasty sauce.

This marinara is perfect anytime a recipe calls for jarred spaghetti sauce. Use it over pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash; layer it in casseroles or lasagna; spoon it over chicken parmesan; or spread it on pizza. The sauce is versatile, freezer-friendly, and freezes well in portioned containers for quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• San Marzano tomatoes – ideal canned tomatoes for a smooth, balanced marinara. They tend to be sweeter and less acidic, which makes a milder sauce.
• Olive oil – use a good-quality, cold-pressed olive oil for flavor. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but a flavorful oil makes a difference.
• Shallot – finely diced shallot adds a light, sweet onion flavor. You can substitute a regular onion for a bolder taste if you prefer.
• Garlic – fresh garlic gives this sauce its signature punch. Six cloves may seem like a lot, but the result is savory and aromatic.
• Seasonings – Italian seasoning (or dried oregano), red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, kosher salt, and black pepper.
• Sugar – a small amount (about 2 teaspoons) helps balance tomato acidity and brings out other flavors. If you avoid refined sugar, you can substitute a little honey or maple syrup.
• Fresh basil – add at the end to preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor. If you plan to freeze the sauce, add basil just before serving.

How to Make Simple Marinara Sauce

This marinara is straightforward and forgiving. Follow these easy steps:

1. Sauté aromatics. In a saucepan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté 1 large finely diced shallot until softened and golden, about 6 minutes. Add 6 cloves minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Add two 28-ounce cans of whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes (break the tomatoes up by hand or with a spoon), 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 2 teaspoons sugar (optional). Stir to combine.
3. Simmer. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour to develop flavor. If you’re pressed for time, simmer 20–30 minutes for a quicker result. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
4. Finish and serve. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil right before serving. Serve warm over pasta, with meatballs, as a pizza sauce, or in casseroles.

Can I Add Meat?

Yes. For a heartier bolognese-style sauce, brown ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage first, drain excess fat, then add the browned meat when you add the tomatoes. Simmer together so the flavors meld.

How to Serve

• Spooned over your favorite pasta with fresh basil leaves.
• As a pizza sauce spread under toppings.
• Layered into meatball or vegetable casseroles.
• Poured over eggplant parmesan or chicken parmesan.
• Used as a dipping sauce for oven-baked chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, or vegetable bites.
• Served with stuffed zucchini boats or as a tomato base for other vegetable dishes.

Prepping, Storage and Reheating

To store: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerated, the sauce will keep for 5 to 7 days.

To freeze: Divide into portion-sized containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat: Thaw if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add fresh basil just before serving.

Recipe Details

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: about 1 hour | Total time: ~1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 8 (about 1 cup per serving)

Ingredients (summary)

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (28 oz) cans whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions (summary)

1. Heat olive oil and sauté shallot until golden, about 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook briefly.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour. Adjust seasoning to taste.
4. Stir in fresh basil and serve.

Nutrition (per 1 cup)

Serving size: 1 cup — Calories: 69 kcal | Carbohydrates: 11.2 g | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 1.7 g | Saturated Fat: 0.3 g | Sodium: 176 mg | Fiber: 3.5 g | Sugar: 8.1 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Recipes That Pair Well with This Marinara

• Cheesy meatball casserole
• Spaghetti squash pizza casserole
• Baked chicken parmesan
• Baked spaghetti squash casserole
• Skillet veggie stuffed shells

If you enjoy this Simple Marinara Sauce, try making a double batch and freezing portions for busy weeknights. It’s a versatile, flavorful base that elevates many family meals—pasta, pizza, casseroles and more.