pasta marinara sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
pasta marinara sauce recipe
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The Best pasta marinara sauce recipe

I have been making pasta marinara sauce for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. It’s a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a few ingredients come together to create a flavorful and aromatic sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a hit with them.

They love the way the garlic and olive oil blend together to create a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist. As a busy mom, I appreciate how quickly this recipe can be made, and it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy – packed with antioxidants from the garlic and tomatoes, and made with olive oil for a boost of heart-healthy fats. I’ve served this sauce at countless family gatherings, and it’s always been a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at your next dinner party, pasta marinara sauce is always a good idea. This recipe has been passed down through generations of Italian cooks, and I’m so glad I can share it with you today.

It’s a true classic that never goes out of style.

Classic Pasta Marinara Sauce

Classic Pasta Marinara Sauce

4.8 from 1719 votes

This is a simple, rich tomato sauce made with canned whole tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. It simmers gently to develop deep flavor and is perfect for any pasta.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 1 minute.
2Add the sliced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just golden, about 1 to 2 minutes.
3Do not let the garlic burn or it will become bitter.
4Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar if using, then stir to combine.
5Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady bubble.
6Let the sauce cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 30 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
7The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has reduced by about one-quarter.
8Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the torn basil leaves.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
10Serve immediately over cooked pasta.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon
Can opener
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender before adding the basil. This sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Watch Video Of How Classic Pasta Marinara Sauce Works

This pasta marinara sauce recipe is one that I turn to again and again when I need a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish.

It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike – my family loves helping me make it in the kitchen, and we all enjoy devouring it together at the end of our meal.

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters, look no further than this classic Italian recipe.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Marinara Sauce

What type of pasta should I use?

Spaghetti or other long, thin pasta shapes are best for this recipe – they allow the sauce to coat each strand evenly.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will add more acidity to the dish than canned tomatoes.

How long does the sauce simmer?

Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce up to 24 hours in advance – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Is this sauce vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly – simply omit any anchovies if you’re serving it as part of a meatless meal.

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