This classic marinara sauce blends simple pantry staples into a rich, comforting tomato sauce perfect for pasta night. With sweet onions, aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, and the balanced acidity of canned tomatoes, it’s a reliable go-to recipe that comes together in under an hour. Marinara sauces like this one became popular in Italian-American kitchens for their ease, affordability, and compatibility with pasta, meatballs, or even pizza bases. It’s both weeknight-friendly and perfect for batch cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (medium, chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 28 oz whole tomatoes (1 can, with liquid)
- 8 oz tomato sauce (1 can)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or ½ tsp oregano + ½ tsp basil)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb spaghetti
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Add whole tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, herbs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cut whole tomatoes into bite-sized pieces directly in the pan using a spoon or spatula.
Step 3: Simmer Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Cook Spaghetti
- While sauce simmers, cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain and serve with marinara sauce.
Tips
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier marinara.
- Stir in fresh basil at the end for bright herbal flavor.
- Add a splash of red wine while sautéing onions for richer depth.
- Replace canned tomatoes with fresh chopped tomatoes in summer.
- Add a grated carrot for natural sweetness instead of sugar.
- Blend the sauce for a smooth consistency.
- Simmer longer (up to 40 minutes) for a thicker, deeper flavor.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a quick meat sauce variation.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for an upgraded classic taste.
- Freeze extra sauce in portions for easy weeknight meals.
Nutrition
Calories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.8gSodium: 330mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 650IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.3mg
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