This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights is pure weeknight magic: rich, velvety tomato flavor, a touch of garlic, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs all come together in about half an hour. Whether it’s ladled over hot pasta, spooned onto pizza, or served with crusty bread, this bright and robust sauce tastes like an Italian grandma’s secret recipe—no passport required. Best of all, it’s delightfully simple to make, with every ingredient playing a starring role in creating the ultimate sauce for any cozy pasta night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this sauce lies in using just a few quality ingredients, each with its own delicious purpose. Every item on this list brings something special—savoriness, sweetness, aroma, or a pop of color—and together, they create a sauce that tastes as inviting as homemade can be.
- Olive Oil: The foundation, lending smooth richness that ties the flavors together and delivers that classic Italian mouthfeel.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds a sweet, mellow base that disappears into the sauce, building depth without overpowering the tomatoes.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers unmistakable aroma and a punch of flavor—wait for that fragrance to hit the pan!
- Crushed Tomatoes: The main act, providing vibrant color, body, and that quintessential savory-sweet tomato essence.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the tomato flavor, thickens the sauce, and imparts a lovely umami punch.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances out the tomatoes’ acidity—don’t skip it!
- Dried Oregano: Gives the sauce classic Italian herby notes that pair perfectly with tomatoes.
- Dried Basil: Brings gentle sweetness and a hint of peppery flavor, making the sauce fragrant and rounded.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle heat, this adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the sauce.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors and seasoning the sauce just right.
- Fresh Parsley or Basil (for garnish): Added on top for a burst of freshness and gorgeous green color that makes every bowl pop.
How to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely diced onion and let it gently sweat—stirring occasionally for about 5 to 6 minutes. The goal is to soften and sweeten the onion until it’s translucent and tender, infusing the oil with its delicate flavor as the first step toward a truly comforting Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and immediately take in that irresistible aroma. Let the garlic sizzle for just 30 seconds—it cooks fast and you want it fragrant, not browned. This little step infuses your sauce with an unmistakable Italian-style base.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute, gently moving it around the pan. This quick toasting amplifies its flavor, creating a richer, deeper tomato backbone that sets your sauce apart from anything store-bought.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and give everything a good stir, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Add the sugar, oregano, basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you crave a little heat. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste—it’s all about finding your own perfect balance.
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally as the aroma fills your kitchen—the sauce will thicken and the flavors will marry. This gentle simmering is where the magic happens, turning a handful of pantry staples into a luxurious, spoon-licking Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights.
Step 6: Taste and Garnish
Give your sauce a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. When you’re happy with the balance, turn off the heat and sprinkle over your fresh parsley or basil for color and freshness. It’s now ready to crown your favorite pasta.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights
Garnishes
One of the quickest ways to elevate this sauce is by topping it with torn basil, chopped parsley, or even a grating of Parmesan cheese. Not only does this add brightness and a burst of green, but it also brings extra flavor and a beautiful finishing touch to every plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights with classics like garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar adds crunch and freshness, while a basket of warm, crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at pasta! Serve your marinara as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks, use it as a base for pizza, or swirl it over baked eggplant or chicken Parmesan. For a cozy twist, try ladling it over polenta or stirring it into stuffed peppers for an irresistible weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the sauce cool completely. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors only deepen, making tomorrow’s pasta night even better!
Freezing
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights is a freezer’s best friend. Portion it in freezer-safe bags or containers, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Pull it out whenever you crave an instant pasta upgrade.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until gently bubbling. If it’s thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water or broth. Frozen sauce should be thawed overnight in the fridge or warmed straight from frozen over gentle heat, stirring often for the smoothest results.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! If you have an abundance of ripe tomatoes, blanch and peel them first, then chop and use in equal measure. Your sauce may take a bit longer to thicken, but you’ll get a fresher, slightly lighter flavor profile.
How can I make the sauce smoother?
If you prefer a silky texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce right in the pot once it’s finished simmering. A countertop blender also works—just let the sauce cool slightly before blending in batches.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans and gluten-free diets?
Yes! This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a crowd-pleaser for almost any table. Just double-check your tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for any non-standard ingredients if you’re particularly sensitive.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this sauce?
Definitely. Try browning sausage or ground beef with the onions, or add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. The base sauce is endlessly versatile, so feel free to customize.
What can I add for even more flavor?
For a deeper, restaurant-style taste, toss in a splash of red wine, a Parmesan rind to simmer, or a handful of fresh basil stems. They’ll infuse the sauce as it simmers, building even more character into every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for a special occasion to make this Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights—bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen tonight! Just a little chopping, stirring, and simmering, and you’ll have a sauce so inviting, you’ll find new ways to enjoy it all week long.
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Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce for Pasta Nights Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for homemade marinara sauce that is perfect for pasta nights. This marinara sauce is made with basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5–6 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
- Add sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and rich.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- This sauce freezes beautifully—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender.
- Add a splash of red wine or a Parmesan rind during simmering for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
