5Ingredient Marinara from Can to Comfort in 20 Minutes

Recipe Introduction
Ever stared into the cupboard wondering what to make? I know I have. This Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce recipe is your answer.
It's packed with fresh flavors, simple ingredients, and ready faster than you can say "spaghetti."
A Taste of Italy, Made Easy
Marinara sauce hails from sunny Italy. It's a simple tomato sauce, a staple in Italian cuisine. This recipe is perfect for beginners, taking only 20 minutes.
It yields about 4 servings, ideal for a family meal.
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This Easy Marinara Sauce isn't just quick; it's healthy. Tomatoes are full of antioxidants. Perfect for a busy weeknight. What makes it special? It's fresher and tastier than store-bought sauce, honestly.
From Can to Comfort: The Five Flavor Magic
This 5-Ingredient Marinara Sauce is a game changer. Forget those jars collecting dust. This recipe gives you vibrant, classic Italian flavor using only five key things: ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, sweet basil, earthy oregano, and a pinch of seasoning.
It is quick, simple and tastes better than anything you can find at the shops.
Health Boost
Tomatoes are loaded with lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It is great for the body. This Homemade Marinara is a guilt free indulgence.
Ready to ditch the jars? Let's gather our bits and bobs. The ingredient list is just below.
Ingredients & Equipment
Let's talk ingredients for this Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce . Honestly, this is where the magic happens. Quality is key! This recipe makes about 4 servings. That's roughly 1 cup each.
Main Ingredients
- 28 ounces ( 794g ) crushed tomatoes. Get the good stuff, okay? San Marzano is awesome if you can find them.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best. Don't be shy!
- 1/4 cup ( 15g ) fresh basil, chopped. Oh my gosh, the smell!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Adds a little earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adjust to taste, obviously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground, please! It makes a difference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional). For extra richness. Get a good one, if you use it!
The Easy Marinara Sauce starts with the tomatoes. The quality of those tomatoes dictates the final result. So treat yourself! Next you will saute de aromatics.
Seasoning Notes
This is where you can get creative. Basil and oregano are essential. That makes this special. But don't be afraid to experiment.
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. No oregano? Use marjoram instead. But honestly, get oregano. Flavor enhancers are totally your call.
I sometimes add a little sugar to balance the acidity. It's a chef's secret!
Equipment Needed
You don't need a fancy kitchen for this Marinara Sauce Recipe . Just the basics. You'll need:
- Medium saucepan. A non-reactive one is best, like stainless steel.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife. For chopping garlic and basil.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Spatula or wooden spoon. For stirring.
That's it! No special gadgets needed. If you don't have a proper chef's knife, any sharp knife will do. The aim is to make this Pasta Sauce Homemade .
And this Marinara Sauce Homemade recipe is truly that simple. It's a fantastic 5-Ingredient Marinara Sauce and really 20 Minute Marinara Sauce too.
It’s the perfect Weeknight Marinara Recipe , really. This is the Homemade Marinara of my dreams. Let's move on to the cooking, shall we?
Cooking Method: Simmering to Sauce Perfection
Let's chat about simmering, shall we? It's the secret weapon for so many dishes. Seriously! And it's especially clutch for making a Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce that tastes like it came straight from Nonna's kitchen.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get your ingredients ready. This is essential mise en place . Chop the garlic 3 cloves should do it.
Mince it finely because nobody likes big chunks of garlic, you know? Then, chop about 1/4 cup (15g) of fresh basil.
And always read through the entire recipe before you start. Trust me, future you will thank you.
step-by-step: Simmering Your Way to Marinara Bliss
Right, here’s how we create this Easy Marinara Sauce :
- (Optional flavour town) Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This step is optional, but extra virgin olive oil adds a richness to the sauce.
- Garlic time! Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds . Watch it like a hawk, you don't want it to burn!
- Tomato tsunami. Pour in those 28 ounces (794g) of crushed tomatoes. Good quality canned crushed tomatoes are key.
- Season Up! Stir in basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper .
- Simmer, baby, simmer. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes , stirring now and then.
Pro Tips: Marinara Mastery
Want to take your Marinara Sauce Recipe to the next level? Don't boil it! A gentle simmer is your best friend.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes you want to spice it up or add sweetness, and remember you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a kick.
So, that's it! A super Simple Marinara from Canned Tomatoes that's ready in a flash. Perfect for a Weeknight Marinara Recipe or when you just need some comfort food, pronto.
Enjoy your Homemade Marinara !
Recipe Notes for Your Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce
Alright, so you've made your Easy Marinara Sauce . Now what? Let's talk serving, storing, and jazzing it up. Honestly, this stuff is so versatile! This will make you feel like a Marinara Sauce Homemade Ninja.
How to Serve Like a Pro
This Marinara Sauce Recipe deserves a bit of love when serving, you know? My fave is a simple twirl of spaghetti.
Use a big spoon to create a nest. Dollop a generous spoonful of your Homemade Marinara right in the centre.
Garnish with a fresh basil leaf, and maybe a grating of Parmesan. Fancy! For something a little different, try serving it with crusty bread for dipping.
It’s also the perfect base for pizzas or even baked eggs.
Storage Secrets
This Quick Tomato Sauce is great the next day.
Fridge : Let the sauce cool completely. Pop it into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . Simple as that.
Freezer : Want to keep it longer? No problem. Pour the cooled sauce into freezer safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top.
It will expand as it freezes. It can last for 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating : Gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Stir it occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir between each burst.
Make it Your Own
Want to play around with the recipe? Go for it!
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Add them while the garlic is sautéing. It will make it a spicy Weeknight Marinara Recipe .
Dietary Tweaks: If you're vegan, add a splash of cashew cream at the end. It will make it super creamy.
You can swap dried oregano and basil for 2 tablespoons of Italian herbs.
Nutrition Snippets
This 5-Ingredient Marinara Sauce isn't just tasty. It's also good for you. Tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. Garlic is great for your immune system.
A serving contains about 80-100 calories, depending on the olive oil. Also, its has fiber, vitamins, and lycopene. What's not to love?
So there you have it. All my tips and tricks for the Simple Marinara from Canned Tomatoes . Now go forth and make some deliciousness! I believe in you! You've got this! This 20 Minute Marinara Sauce is not just a meal.
It's an experience. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce suitable for freezing? I'm trying to meal prep like a proper domestic goddess!
Absolutely! This marinara sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and used whenever you need a quick and tasty pasta sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce recipe? My garden's overflowing like it's the Chelsea Flower Show!
You certainly can! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2 pounds. Core and roughly chop them, then simmer for a bit longer around 30-40 minutes to allow them to break down and release their juices.
You might also want to add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, depending on the sweetness of your tomatoes.
My marinara sauce is a bit too acidic. How can I fix it without it tasting like something from The Great British Bake Off gone wrong?
A touch of sweetness is your friend! Try adding a teaspoon of sugar or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. Alternatively, a tiny pinch of baking soda can help neutralize the acidity, but be very careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor. Taste as you go!
I'm a vegetarian and don't want to use any animal products. Is this recipe suitable, or do I need to make any substitutions?
This Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce recipe is naturally vegetarian! The basic recipe uses only plant based ingredients. Just make sure you're using a vegetarian friendly Parmesan cheese (if serving with pasta) and you're good to go.
Feel free to add some roasted vegetables or plant based protein to make it a more substantial meal.
Can I add any other vegetables to this Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce to sneak some extra goodness in for the kids? Like a bit of Jamie Oliver style "pukka" parenting?
Absolutely! Finely diced carrots, celery, or zucchini are great additions. Sauté them along with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. You could even blend the sauce at the end for a smoother texture if your kids are particularly picky eaters. It’ll be our little secret!
How long will the Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce last in the fridge?
Your homemade marinara sauce will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container. If you’re not going to use it within that time, freezing is the way to go.
5ingredient Marinara From Can To Comfort In 20 M

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 80-100 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 3-5g |
| Fiber | 3g |