The Godfathers San Marzano Marinara an Easy Weeknight Sauce

Recipe Introduction
Craving Comfort Food?
Honestly, who isn’t? Are you like me, always searching for that perfect, comforting sauce? This marinara is IT. We're talking about The Godfather's San Marzano Marinara An Easy Weeknight Sauce.
This sauce explodes with flavour and becomes your weeknight go-to.
A Taste of Italy, Made Easy
This recipe is inspired by classic Italian American cooking. It focuses on simplicity and lets quality ingredients shine. It’s an easy marinara sauce recipe .
Perfect for busy weeknights. In around 40 minutes, you'll have a deeply flavorful sauce for four.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This best pasta sauce recipe is more than just tasty. San Marzano tomato sauce recipes are known for being lower in acidity.
It's perfect for anyone with a sensitive stomach. This sauce is fantastic tossed with pasta or as a pizza base.
You know, because it's like bringing a little bit of Italy to your table.
Ready to get started? First, gather your ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Godfather's Marinara
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. What do you need to whip up this ridiculously easy, yet outrageously delicious "Godfather's San Marzano Marinara - An Easy Weeknight Sauce" ? I reckon everyone should have San Marzano Tomato Sauce Recipes handy.
I want you to know it tastes so incredible! Think of it like that perfect song you always want to hear or that favorite pair of jeans that feel just right.
That's what we are aiming for with this Best Pasta Sauce Recipe .
Main Ingredients: Get the Good Stuff!
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (US & Metric). Use a decent extra virgin.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (US & Metric). Fresh is best.
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) (US & Metric). Only if you are feeling spicy!
- San Marzano crushed tomatoes : 1 (28-ounce) can (US & Metric). Trust me on this one.
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon (US & Metric).
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup , chopped, plus extra for garnish (US & Metric).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon , or to taste (US & Metric).
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon , or to taste (US & Metric).
- Granulated sugar: 1 teaspoon (US & Metric). Don't skip it!
Quality Check : The stars of the show are without question the San Marzano tomato sauce . Look for cans labeled " San Marzano , from Italy.
" The Best Pasta Sauce Recipe hinges on the quality of your tomatoes. Also, if you are looking to buy from different San Marzano Tomato Brands do so.
It also tastes great with an Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce
Seasoning Notes: The Secret's in the Sauce
- Essential spice combos: Garlic, oregano, basil are your holy trinity for this Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe .
- Flavor enhancers: Red pepper flakes for a kick. A touch of sugar to balance acidity.
- Quick swaps: If you are out of fresh basil, use 1 teaspoon of dried (but fresh is so much better).
I almost forgot, I once used passata instead of San Marzano crushed tomatoes because I was in a pinch. It worked, but it lacked that je ne sais quoi .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven. My Le Creuset is my go-to.
- Wooden spoon or spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Household Hacks: Don't have a fancy saucepan? A regular pot works. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent sticking.
Making a simple marinara with Homemade Pasta Sauce with San Marzano Tomatoes is all about good ingredients and a little love.
In conclusion, that's why this Weeknight Marinara Sauce is sure to be a hit with family, friends, and even yourself.
The Godfather's San Marzano Marinara - An Easy Weeknight Sauce
Honestly, sometimes all you need is a killer marinara . This is the marinara. Forget the jars. This is about San Marzano crushed tomatoes , people! And it is so easy.
Like, seriously easy. If you can boil water, you can do this. This Best Pasta Sauce Recipe is built on the sweetness of San Marzano and will become your go-to.
Prep Steps: The Mise en Place Lowdown
First, get your stuff together. Chop two cloves of garlic. You know, nice and fine. Measure out your oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar.
Open that can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes . Done! All your ingredients are now prepared and ready to create a Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce .
step-by-step: From Zero to Bellissimo
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional). Sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute , until fragrant. Watch it closely! Burnt garlic is a total buzzkill.
- Pour in the 28-ounce can of San Marzano crushed tomatoes .
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil , 1/2 teaspoon salt , 1/4 teaspoon black pepper , and 1 teaspoon sugar .
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes . Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly.
Pro Tips: Fuhgeddaboudit! to Bland Sauce
Tomato quality matters . Seriously! San Marzano tomatoes make a difference. If you can’t find them, use the best crushed tomatoes you can get your hands on.
Also, don't rush the simmer. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavour will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes .
An hour is even better to create the San Marzano Marinara Recipe . Taste as you go! Seasoning is key, so adjust to your liking.
This is also a great Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe .
Alright, there you have it. The Godfather's San Marzano Marinara . Perfect on pasta, pizza, or even just for dipping some crusty bread.
Enjoy! Now you have the Best Pasta Sauce Recipe .
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Marinara
This isn't just another easy marinara sauce recipe . It's your new go-to. It's about making the best sauce, the simplest way.
I wanted to be accessible for everyone so that is an easy weeknight sauce
Serving Suggestions: From My Table to Yours
So, how do you make this dish look extra special? Honestly, presentation matters! I like to twirl pasta into a little nest on the plate.
Ladle on the sauce generously. Then, a sprinkle of fresh basil and a dusting of Parmesan. Boom! Restaurant worthy.
As for sides? Crusty bread for soaking up every last drop is crucial. A simple salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce.
And for a drink? A glass of red wine, naturally! I think an Italian Sauce Recipes is perfect for a special occasion.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This best pasta sauce recipe keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days .
I've done it a million times.
Want to freeze it? Go for it! Let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer safe bags or containers.
It'll last for 2-3 months . When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop.
It is essential that the heat is moderate. The authentic Italian tomato sauce should be warmed up progressively
Variations: Your Sauce, Your Way
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch more red pepper flakes. Or a dash of cayenne pepper. Boom! Spicy marinara.
For a richer sauce, stir in a dollop of cream at the end.
For a lighter option, skip the sugar. The sweetness of the San Marzano crushed tomatoes should be enough. If you can't find fresh basil, dried basil will work in a pinch.
But honestly, fresh basil is the best.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, let's talk nutrition. This sauce is relatively low in calories and fat. It's packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the tomatoes.
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene. They might help protect against certain diseases.
Each serving contains about 120 calories, 3 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fibre. Of course, these numbers are estimates.
They can change. It depends on the specific ingredients you use and your portion sizes. You know?
So, there you have it! My San Marzano marinara recipe is simple, delicious, and adaptable. I think that this San Marzano tomato sauce is a great source of many health benefits! So grab your ingredients, put on some tunes, and get cooking! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use San Marzano crushed tomatoes instead of regular crushed tomatoes? Are they really worth the hype?
Think of San Marzano crushed tomatoes as the Ferrari of canned tomatoes they offer a superior flavour! Grown in the volcanic soil of Italy, they're naturally sweeter, less acidic, and have a richer tomato flavour.
While they might cost a bit more, the difference in your marinara will be noticeable, making it a worthwhile splurge for that authentic taste. You can often find them in larger grocery stores or specialty food shops; look for the "San Marzano" designation on the can.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of san marzano crushed tomatoes for this recipe?
Using fresh tomatoes can be absolutely delicious, but it'll change the character of the sauce and require more effort. You'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and crushed.
Since fresh tomatoes have a higher water content, you'll need to simmer the sauce for a longer time to achieve the desired thickness, and you may need to add a bit of tomato paste to concentrate the flavor. This recipe specifically shines with the unique profile of the San Marzano variety.
How long will this San Marzano crushed tomatoes marinara sauce last, and what's the best way to store it?
This marinara sauce keeps beautifully! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in freezer safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, leave some headroom in the container as the sauce will expand.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I don't have fresh basil. Can I still make this marinara sauce with San Marzano crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! While fresh basil adds a bright, vibrant note, you can certainly use dried basil as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil in place of the 1/4 cup of fresh basil called for in the recipe.
Add the dried basil along with the oregano when you add the San Marzano crushed tomatoes to allow the flavors to meld during simmering. While the fresh basil is preferable, dried will still provide a good aromatic base for your sauce.
My marinara sauce made with San Marzano crushed tomatoes tastes a bit too acidic. How can I fix it?
A touch of acidity is normal in tomato sauce, but too much can be easily remedied. The recipe already includes a teaspoon of sugar, which is often enough to balance the acidity. However, if needed, add a pinch more sugar and taste.
Another trick is to add a small pat of butter (about a tablespoon) at the end of the cooking time; the fat will help to mellow out the acidity. Alternatively, a tiny pinch of baking soda can neutralize acidity, but be very careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor.
The Godfathers San Marzano Marinara An Easy Week

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |