marinara pasta sauce recipe

The Best marinara pasta sauce recipe

My family and I love marinara pasta sauce, and it’s a staple in our household. I first discovered this recipe while on vacation in Italy, where we fell in love with the flavors and aromas of the local cuisine.

Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, using fresh ingredients and techniques that bring out the best flavors. My kids adore this sauce, and it’s a great way to get them to eat more vegetables – they don’t even notice when I sneak in extra servings of spinach or bell peppers!

It’s also incredibly easy to make, which is a bonus for busy families like mine. The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and letting the sauce simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

This process brings out the deep, rich flavors that are characteristic of traditional Italian cuisine. The result is a sauce that’s both tangy and slightly sweet, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in store-bought varieties.

We love serving this sauce over spaghetti or linguine, but it’s also delicious as a dip for bread or as a topping for pizza.

Marinara Pasta Sauce Recipe

4.5 from 1379 votes

A rich, flavorful marinara pasta sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, and carrot.
3Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
4Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and bay leaf.
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
7Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8The sauce should thicken slightly and the flavors should meld together.
9Stir in sugar and fresh basil leaves.
10Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the basil is wilted and the sauce is fragrant.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
12Remove the bay leaf before serving.
13Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to taste. You can also add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor.

Watch Video Of How Marinara Pasta Sauce Recipe Works

This marinara pasta sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution or want something special for family gatherings.

The key home cooking technique involved here requires patience – allowing all those wonderful flavors from garlic cloves olive oil crushed tomatoes etcetera come together perfectly blending together creating deep rich taste experience unlike anything else available commercially speaking.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marinara Pasta Sauce

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes?

Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes. I prefer to use fresh tomatoes when they are in season, but canned tomatoes work just as well. When using canned tomatoes, I recommend using a good quality canned tomato that is packed in juice. I also recommend adding a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the canned tomatoes.

2. Can I freeze marinara pasta sauce?

Yes, you can freeze marinara pasta sauce. I always make a big batch and freeze some for later. It is a great way to have a healthy and delicious meal on hand for busy weeknights. I recommend freezing the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove.

3. Can I make marinara pasta sauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make marinara pasta sauce in a slow cooker. I have done this many times and it is a great way to make a large batch of sauce without having to stand over the stove. I recommend adding all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cooking it on low for 6-8 hours.

4. Can I add meat to marinara pasta sauce?

Yes, you can add meat to marinara pasta sauce. I have made this sauce with ground beef, Italian sausage, and even chicken. I recommend browning the meat in a separate pan and then adding it to the sauce. I also recommend adding the meat to the sauce towards the end of cooking so that it does not become tough.

5. Can I make marinara pasta sauce without sugar?

Yes, you can make marinara pasta sauce without sugar. I recommend tasting the sauce before adding the sugar and adding it only if needed. I also recommend using a good quality canned tomato that is packed in juice to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.

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