Dinner

Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Name: Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small diced yellow onion; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more to taste); ½ cup chicken broth or water

ByRafael Mansero January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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Introduction

This easiest homemade marinara sauce is a simple, flavorful staple that comes together quickly using pantry ingredients. Perfect for pasta, dipping, or as a base for other dishes, it delivers rich tomato goodness without any fuss.

A close-up of a white pan filled with a thick, smooth, deep red tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. The sauce covers the pan evenly with some sauce splatters along the edge. A wooden spoon with dark wood tones rests inside the pan, partly stirring the sauce, and a few fresh green basil leaves are placed on a white marbled surface next to the pan. In the top left corner, some white garlic cloves sit inside a small white bowl. A black and white striped cloth is seen at the bottom of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small diced yellow onion
2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more to taste)
½ cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and add the diced yellow onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onion becomes tender and translucent.
Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar. Pulse until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the blended tomato mixture into the saucepan with the cooked onions. Add the chicken broth or water and sauté the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.

Tips & Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
For a chunkier sauce, blend only half the tomatoes and mix with the rest intact.
Fresh basil or oregano can be stirred in at the end for extra herb flavor.

Storage

Store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and use within 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar filled with thick, rich red tomato sauce with visible small herb and spice bits throughout, placed on a rustic wooden board. In front of the jar is a large fresh green basil leaf with prominent veins and a slightly wrinkled texture. To the left, there are garlic cloves partially peeled, sitting on the wooden surface. On the right side of the board, a white and black striped cloth is casually folded, adding a soft texture contrast. The background has a soft, white marbled texture that enhances the colors of the sauce and fresh ingredients. 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 canned?

Yes, but fresh tomatoes need to be peeled, seeded, and cooked down longer to achieve the right texture and flavor. Canned stewed tomatoes provide convenience and consistent taste.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. This marinara freezes well and can be portioned into smaller containers or freezer bags for easy use later.