My Kitchen Smells Like Summer
Let’s make an easy marinara sauce recipe. It fills the house with a warm smell. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. This homemade marinara sauce is simple and honest. You only need a few good things.
We start with onion and garlic in olive oil. Doesn’t that smell amazing? That sizzle is the sound of flavor starting. I still laugh at that. My grandson calls it the “flavor alarm.” This first step matters. It builds a sweet, deep base for our quick marinara sauce.
The Heart of the Sauce
Next, we add the tomatoes. For the best marinara sauce, use good crushed tomatoes. I love the ones called San Marzano tomatoes. *Fun fact: San Marzano tomatoes grow near a volcano in Italy. The soil makes them extra sweet.*
Stir in the tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble softly for 15 minutes. That’s it! This is truly a 20-minute marinara sauce. You see, waiting a little matters. It lets all the flavors get to know each other. They become one happy family.
A Little Fresh Magic
Just before you turn off the heat, stir in fresh basil. This is the secret. Dried herbs cook with the sauce. But fresh herbs go in at the end. They keep their bright, happy taste.
This makes your Italian marinara sauce taste special. It tastes like you really care. And you do! Do you have a favorite herb? I sometimes use parsley instead of basil. What would you try?
More Than Just Pasta Sauce
This marinara sauce recipe is so friendly. Of course, it’s a perfect pasta sauce recipe. But it’s also great on meatballs or pizza. I even dip my grilled cheese in it! Making your own sauce changes a simple meal. It makes it feel like a celebration.
Once you know how to make marinara sauce, a world opens up. You control what’s in it. No extra sugar or strange words. Just real food. That is a wonderful feeling. What will you put your first batch of sauce on? Tell me your plan!
Your Turn in the Kitchen
I hope you try this. It is hard to get wrong. If your onion burns a little, just start that part over. We all have little kitchen stories like that. The best cooks are not perfect. They are just willing to try.
This recipe is a gift you make for yourself and others. Food made with your own hands always tastes better. Do you agree? Share with me, what is the first meal you learned to cook from scratch?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 Tbsp | |
| Yellow onion | 1/2 medium (1/2 cup chopped) | |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | finely minced |
| Crushed tomatoes | 28 oz | |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp | |
| Sea salt | 1/2 tsp | |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp | freshly ground |
| Fresh basil or parsley | 1 Tbsp | finely minced, plus more to garnish |
Instructions
Step 1: Warm your olive oil in a saucepan. Cook your chopped onion until it’s soft and sweet. Add the garlic and stir for just one minute. Doesn’t that smell amazing? (Tip: Let the onion get golden for more flavor.)
Step 2: Pour in your crushed tomatoes. I love using San Marzano tomatoes for the best marinara sauce. Add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble, then simmer for 15 minutes. Do you use fresh or dried herbs? Share below!
Step 3: Turn off the heat. Stir in your fresh basil. This easy marinara sauce recipe is done! Taste it and smile. I still laugh at how simple this pasta sauce recipe is. (Always add fresh herbs last for bright flavor.)
Creative Twists
This quick marinara sauce is your canvas. Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Stir in a spoonful of creamy ricotta cheese at the end. Or add a handful of chopped olives for a salty surprise. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
Your homemade marinara sauce is ready. Pour it over hot spaghetti for a classic meal. Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy garlic bread. Or, spoon it onto a homemade pizza crust. This Italian marinara sauce makes everything better. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Sauce Happy
Let’s talk about storing your homemade marinara sauce. It keeps well in the fridge for about five days. Just use a clean jar with a tight lid. For longer storage, your freezer is a friend. Pour cooled sauce into freezer bags or containers. Leave some space at the top because it expands when frozen.
I remember my first big batch. I filled a glass jar too full. When I froze it, the lid popped right off. What a messy surprise in my freezer. Now I always leave that inch of space. Batch cooking this easy marinara sauce recipe saves busy nights. Having a jar ready means a quick, delicious meal is minutes away.
Reheating is simple too. Warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it now and then. You can add a splash of water if it seems thick. This gentle heat keeps the fresh herb flavor bright. Storing food well means less waste and more peace. It is a gift to your future, busier self. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Sauce Troubles
Even simple sauces can have little hiccups. Do not worry. Here are three common issues and their easy fixes. First, a sauce that is too acidic. A tiny pinch of sugar can calm that sharp taste. I once forgot the sugar and my grandson noticed. Just a half teaspoon can make a big difference.
Second, a sauce that is too thin. Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. The extra water will evaporate. This makes your sauce richer and clings to pasta better. Third, not enough flavor. Let the sauce cook a bit longer. Simmering blends all the tastes together beautifully.
Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn how flavors work together. It also makes your best marinara sauce taste just right for you. Good food should make you happy. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to preserve fresh herbs for marinara? For your homemade marinara sauce, chop leftover fresh basil or parsley. Pack it into an ice cube tray. Cover the herbs with olive oil and freeze. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag. This locks in fresh flavor for your next quick marinara sauce. Just drop a cube into your simmering sauce.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh in marinara sauce? Yes, you can use dried herbs. Dried oregano is actually standard in many Italian marinara sauce recipes. Remember, dried herbs are more potent. Use one-third the amount of fresh. So if a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon fresh, use 1 teaspoon dried. Add dried herbs early so they soften and release their flavor.
What are the essential fresh herbs for an authentic marinara? Fresh basil is the classic star for an authentic taste. Flat-leaf parsley is a wonderful, bright alternative. Some families also love a little fresh oregano. But for a simple pasta sauce recipe, just basil makes a perfect, fragrant best marinara sauce. It is all about that fresh, garden smell.
How do you keep fresh herbs from burning in a sauce? The key is to add them last. Fresh herbs are delicate. If you cook them too long, they lose color and taste. For your marinara sauce recipe, stir in chopped basil or parsley right at the end. Turn off the heat. The warm sauce will cook them gently without burning. This keeps the flavor vibrant.
What is a simple recipe for fresh herb marinara sauce? Our easy marinara sauce recipe is above. It shows you how to make marinara sauce in about 20 minutes. Sauté onion and garlic. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes. Finish with fresh basil. Using San Marzano tomatoes marinara will give you a wonderfully sweet, rich result.
What dishes can I use fresh herb marinara sauce with? This quick marinara sauce is so versatile. Of course, use it on any pasta. It is also great on pizza, in lasagna, or with meatballs. Try it as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or bread. You can even bake eggs in it for a tasty breakfast. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this sauce as much as I do. *Fun fact: The word “marinara” comes from sailors, or “marinai” in Italian. They needed a sauce that would keep well on long voyages.* Cooking is about sharing stories and good food. Your kitchen is a place for happy experiments.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Did your family enjoy it? Did you add your own special twist? Your stories make this recipe come alive. Please tell me all about it in the comments. Have you tried this recipe? Sharing our experiences is the best part.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Fresh Herb Marinara Sauce Made Simple
Description
A simple and flavorful homemade marinara sauce with fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add 2 Tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion stirring often until soft and golden (about 5 min). Add minced garlic and stir 1 min, or until fragrant.
- Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Bring to a light boil then reduce heat and simmer partially covered for 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil then turn off the heat.
Notes
- This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for several months.