If there’s one sauce I can never get enough of, it’s marinara. This classic Italian tomato sauce is bursting with the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, fresh parsley, and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Whether you’re looking to elevate a simple dish or need a quick dinner solution, marinara sauce is your answer—and the best part? You can easily whip it up at home!
You can serve Marinara sauce with Sautéed Eggplant
About recipe;
I love making marinara from scratch because it’s not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something quick, comforting, and flavorful. Think pasta, chicken, pizza, and even a quick cheesy baguette bake—this sauce truly does it all!
Canned or Fresh Tomatoes?
For this recipe, I typically use good-quality canned tomatoes. They’re super convenient, consistent in flavor, and always on hand in my pantry. But don’t worry, if you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to use those! Fresh tomatoes will bring a slightly lighter and brighter flavor to the sauce. It’s all about what you have available. Either way, the result is a sauce full of vibrant, comforting flavor.
So, if your day is running long, and you’re feeling short on time, here’s a trick: Keep a jar of this marinara sauce ready in the fridge. Come home, boil your favorite pasta, toss it in the sauce, and voilà! Dinner is served with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
What You’ll Need to Make Marinara Sauce?
This sauce is as simple as it gets, with just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- A medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley
- Tomato Paste
- Garlic (because what’s an Italian sauce without garlic, right?)
- Oregano
- Olive oil (good quality for that extra flavor boost)
- A food processor (to break down those tomatoes)
- A skillet (to bring everything together)
It’s so simple to make—just add the tomatoes, garlic, and parsley to the food processor and blend well.
Chop the onion and cook it with olive oil. Add the blended tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and oregano, then cook until the sauce reduces and most of the water is absorbed—about 20 minutes.
Dinner Options with Marinara Sauce?
Marinara sauce is so versatile that it’s almost a kitchen superhero! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
- Pasta: Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or any shape you love, marinara pairs perfectly with pasta. I can’t tell you how many last-minute dinners I’ve saved with a simple bowl of pasta and marinara!
- Chicken: Think chicken parmesan or baked chicken smothered in marinara. It’s a match made in heaven.
- Pizza: Yes, marinara makes a fabulous pizza sauce! Spread it over your dough, top with cheese and your favorite toppings, and bake to crispy perfection.
- Quick Cheesy Baguette: Feeling lazy for dinner? Grab a fresh baguette, slather on some marinara, sprinkle shredded mozzarella (or fresh slices), and add any deli meats or veggies you have. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes, and just like that, you’ve got a delicious, crispy meal ready to enjoy.
How to Store Marinara Sauce?
If you’re like me, you’ll find that this recipe makes a bit more sauce than you’ll need for one meal—especially for pasta. But that’s a good thing! You can store your homemade marinara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. While it’s always best to use fresh, I like to save some for later. I often use half right away and keep the rest for a quick meal later in the week. It’s a real time-saver!
Whether you’re using it to enhance a favorite dish or simply trying to make dinner a little easier, this homemade marinara sauce is a must-have in any kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and far better than anything you’ll find in a jar at the store. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to go back!
Happy cooking and buon appetito!
