Easy Marinara Sauce (Ready in 20 Minutes) Recipe
This easy marinara sauce recipe is a quick and flavorful homemade tomato sauce ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for pastas, pizzas, and dipping, it combines sautéed onions and garlic with passata and aromatic herbs to create a deliciously rich and versatile sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ small yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 oz jar passata (can substitute for crushed tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and cook onions: In a medium pan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely diced ½ small yellow onion and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and lightly translucent.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes: Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour in the 24 oz jar of passata (or crushed tomatoes). Add 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage thickening. For a deeper, richer flavor and slightly thicker consistency, simmer for 30 to 40 minutes if desired.
- Adjust seasoning and add fresh basil: Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed. If using fresh basil instead of dried, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil during the last few minutes of cooking to preserve its bright flavor.
Notes
- Using passata gives a smooth texture, but crushed tomatoes can be used if preferred for a chunkier sauce.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and add a subtle heat to the sauce.
- Simmering longer enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce but is not required for a tasty marinara.
- This sauce freezes well—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Adding fresh basil near the end keeps the herbaceous aroma vibrant and fresh.
