Dinner

Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe

Name: Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 6 ounces tomato paste; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth (water can be used as substitute)

ByRafael Mansero February 1, 2026February 1, 2026

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Introduction

This Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce is a flavorful and simple tomato sauce perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with herbs and a touch of spice, it elevates any pasta or dish in just 30 minutes.

A top-down view of a bright red tomato sauce with a thick, slightly chunky texture in a round white pot with red handles. The sauce fills the pot nearly to the top, with visible small bits of herbs and spices throughout, giving a rich and appetizing look. The inside rim of the pot has a few marks of sauce, showing it has been stirred. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth (water is okay too)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it is very lightly browned.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, Kosher salt, sugar, crushed red pepper, and chicken broth.
Step 4: Cover the pan and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh taste.
Adjust the crushed red pepper to control the heat, or omit it for a milder sauce.

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. This sauce also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick, rich red tomato sauce filling a large round pot with bright red handles, the sauce has a smooth, slightly chunky texture with visible specks of herbs and spices. The sauce is spread evenly inside the pot, with some sauce lightly splattered near the top rim. The pot sits on a wooden surface with some cloth visible nearby, against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them first. This may slightly increase cooking time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Is this sauce suitable for vegans?

To make this sauce vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or water. All other ingredients are plant-based.