Creamy Tomato Marinara Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that’s simple to make and bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for many dishes, this homemade version uses quality ingredients to create a rich and satisfying sauce.

Ingredients

• 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes*
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Crush the whole tomatoes with your hands into a large bowl. Set aside the crushed tomatoes.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic and stir briefly to release the aroma.
3. Step 3: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet along with the oregano, basil, sugar, and salt.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, until the oil rises to the surface and turns a deep orange color.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother sauce, blend the crushed tomatoes before cooking.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh herbs if available, adding them near the end of cooking to retain brightness.
• Substitute San Marzano tomatoes with any high-quality canned whole tomatoes if unavailable.
• For a richer flavor, sauté the garlic until golden but not burnt before adding tomatoes.

Storage

Store cooled marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use ripe fresh tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before crushing for the best texture and flavor.

How can I thicken my marinara sauce?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce excess liquid, or add a small amount of tomato paste for extra thickness.

Creamy Tomato Marinara Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

This classic Marinara Sauce recipe is a simple, flavorful tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Perfect as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, it combines the sweetness of tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a touch of olive oil for a rich, authentic Italian flavor.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 2 ½ cups 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

• 28 ounce can whole San Marzano tomatoes
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Crush the whole San Marzano tomatoes by hand into a large bowl, breaking them into smaller pieces. Set the crushed tomatoes aside for use later.
2. Heat the Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced or sliced garlic and stir frequently to prevent burning while releasing its aroma.
3. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet along with dried oregano, dried basil, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Cook the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low-medium to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the sauce cook uncovered for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the oil surface turns a deep orange color and the sauce slightly thickens, developing rich, concentrated flavors.

Notes

• Using San Marzano tomatoes gives the sauce a sweet, balanced flavor with low acidity.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh is preferred.
• The sugar helps mellow the natural acidity of the tomatoes; adjust to taste.
• For a chunkier sauce, crush tomatoes less finely; for a smoother sauce, use a blender after cooking.
• This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Marinara sauce, tomato sauce, San Marzano tomatoes, Italian sauce, easy marinara, pasta sauce, homemade sauce