If ever there was a weeknight winner, Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta is it. This dish is that perfect intersection of pure comfort and simple preparation, with a bright tomato flavor, a little herby zing, and pasta that soaks it all up like a dream. In less than an hour, you’re rewarded with a delicious Italian classic that feels like a hug in a bowl—bold, beautiful, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s no mystery why this is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or cozy solo nights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta lies in its short list of classic pantry staples. Each ingredient brings something special to the dish, whether it’s a note of sweetness, a little kick, or that velvety, tomato-rich base you crave.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Gives a silky start, deepens flavor, and lets everything cook to perfection.
- Garlic cloves, minced (4): Infuses the sauce with earthy depth and classic Italian aroma.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Adds a subtle sweetness, creating a lovely foundation for your sauce.
- Crushed tomatoes, canned (28 oz): The heart of the marinara, delivering rich, thick tomato essence in every bite.
- Tomato paste (1 tablespoon): Intensifies that concentrated tomato flavor, making your sauce even more vibrant.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers the iconic Italian herbal taste you know and love.
- Dried basil (½ teaspoon): Rounds things out with warm, peppery notes that sing in the sauce.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to bring out all the flavors of your ingredients.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite and balance.
- Red pepper flakes, optional (pinch): For those who like a little heat in their marinara.
- Sugar, optional (1 teaspoon): Levels out acidity in the tomatoes for a gently sweet finish.
- Pasta, such as spaghetti or penne (12 oz): The perfect vehicle for soaking up every drop of sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the finished plate with pop of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional (for serving): Because a little cheesy finish is hard to resist.
How to Make Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and let it sizzle for 3–4 minutes until it’s soft and just turning translucent. Add your minced garlic next—just thirty seconds is enough to take your kitchen from “quiet” to “Italian trattoria” with that amazing aroma.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Dollop in the tomato paste and cook it for about a minute, stirring constantly. This deepens the flavor and intensifies the sauce’s red color. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck on the bottom of the pan, and stir well to fully combine everything.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat. Taste your sauce—if the tomatoes feel a bit sharp or acidic, add a teaspoon of sugar and stir it in. Lower the heat, and let your sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring every so often, until it thickens and the flavors meld together into something magical.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
As your marinara simmers away, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and add your pasta of choice. Follow the package instructions, aiming for just al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret weapon for perfect pasta dishes!
Step 5: Toss, Finish, and Serve
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing gently to combine. If your sauce looks a little thick, swirl in a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve piping hot, topped with a handful of fresh basil or parsley and a snowy sprinkle of Parmesan, if that’s your thing. Dinner is served—the Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta way!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta
Garnishes
A handful of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds not just color but a crisp burst of flavor that rounds out the dish beautifully. Of course, a generous shower of grated Parmesan is practically tradition. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes will do wonders.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong with a crisp green salad drizzled in balsamic vinaigrette—the acid brightens up the meal perfectly. For true Italian comfort, a side of garlic bread or a flaky baguette is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the rich marinara.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta into large, shallow bowls for a rustic vibe, or twirl it into neat nests for an elegant dinner party look. For kids or parties, serve in individual ramekins with a mozzarella ball tucked inside—melty fun in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta keeps fabulously in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing it up. The flavors often become even more unified after resting overnight.
Freezing
If you want to work ahead, the made-from-scratch marinara sauce freezes like a dream. Let it cool, then tuck it into a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat with fresh pasta for instant comfort.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring each time to prevent any uneven hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just peel and crush about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes and use them in place of the canned version. Your sauce will taste ultra-fresh, and it’s a lovely way to use up summer tomatoes, though simmer time may increase to help break them down.
Is Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta suitable for vegans?
Yes! The core recipe is completely plant-based. Just skip the Parmesan (or use a vegan version) and you’ll have a dish that’s both vegan and satisfying.
What if I like meatier pasta?
You can absolutely add sautéed ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to the sauce after the onions and garlic—just brown the meat, drain excess fat, then proceed as written. Your Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta becomes a hearty feast.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the marinara sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge, or even frozen for up to three months. It reheats beautifully, making dinner even quicker.
Which pastas work best with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta?
While spaghetti and penne are classic, you can use ziti, rigatoni, fusilli, or even linguine. The sauce clings beautifully to almost any shape, so pick your favorite or try something new!
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta enough—it’s fast, full of flavor, endlessly customizable, and fits so many occasions. If you’ve never tried making your own marinara before, now’s the perfect moment. Gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself to a timeless dish that feels like home with every bite!
Print
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make a delicious and easy homemade marinara sauce pasta that is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. This classic Italian dish is flavorful and comforting, making it a great option for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Main Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
Additional:
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
- chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and sauté. Add tomato paste, then crushed tomatoes and season with oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta with marinara sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, ground beef, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
