Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce (10 Minute Recipe)
This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce is the perfect way to elevate any bowl of pasta. It comes together in just 10 minutes in one pot and is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. This vegan marinara is a weekly staple in my kitchen and a family favorite every time.
Marinara sauce is a true staple in our house. It finds its way onto everything from vegan lentil meatballs to a simple weeknight pasta to a cozy baguette dipping bowl. I love that this recipe comes together in minutes yet tastes fresh and homemade every single time.
That moment when you serve dinner to friends and they rave about the flavor, assuming you spent hours simmering sauce on the stove. There is something so satisfying about a simple recipe that delivers a big wow factor. This is one of those sauces that makes you look like you worked all day.
Spotlight on This Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce (10-Minute Recipe)
- It’s versatile: This homemade marinara works for everything from pasta night to vegan meatballs to a simple baguette dip. It is one of the most cooked recipes in my kitchen, and my kids absolutely love it.
- It’s fresh-flavored: A touch of lemon zest brightens the sauce and brings a fresh flavor that makes it taste restaurant-worthy without any extra effort.
- It’s healthy: Made with simple, real ingredients, this vegan marinara sauce is a nourishing option that pairs well with pasta, vegetables, and plant-based proteins.
- It’s easy to make: This recipe comes together in just 10 minutes in one pot, making it perfect for busy nights or quick meal prep.
- It elevates pasta: A great sauce transforms even the simplest noodles, and this marinara brings the rich, comforting flavor that makes every bowl taste extra special.
The Ingredients
Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes. It adds richness and builds the base flavor of this marinara.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for the best taste. Skip garlic powder and use real cloves for authentic Italian flavor.
Red pepper flakes: A pinch adds a gentle heat that enhances the sauce without overpowering it.
Salt: Season to taste to bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.
Crushed tomatoes: Use a large can of crushed tomatoes for the ideal texture and depth. This variety creates the perfect marinara base.
Tomato sauce: One can of tomato sauce helps create a smooth consistency and adds another layer of rich tomato flavor.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs enhances the classic Italian profile and ties all the ingredients together.
Maple syrup: A small splash balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds subtle sweetness without refined sugar.
Lemon zest: The secret ingredient that brightens the whole sauce. Once you try lemon zest in marinara, you may never go back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but canned crushed tomatoes will give you a thicker, richer sauce. If using fresh tomatoes, you may need to simmer longer and blend them for a smoother consistency.
Yes. Add a spoonful of tomato paste to the mixture for a thicker texture.
There is a small kick of spice from the red pepper flakes. Either use less or omit the red pepper flakes altogether for a spice-free sauce.
It will last for about 5 days in an airtight container.
Yes! To freeze this marinara sauce, let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little room at the top for it to expand, press out any extra air, and label it with the date. It will keep its flavor for months and make the perfect grab-and-go option for quick future meals.
The Instructions
Step one: In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt over medium heat. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
Step two: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, maple syrup, and more salt as needed. Give it a good stir.
Turn the heat to medium-high until the sauce begins to gently simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes, giving it a quick stir every minute. The sauce will bubble as it simmers, so keeping it covered is important.
Step three: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add fresh lemon zest and then give it a stir. Serve immediately.
Storage
Allow the sauce to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze this marinara sauce, let it cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave a little room at the top for it to expand, press out any extra air, and label it with the date. It will keep its flavor for months and makes the perfect grab-and-go option for quick future meals.
Tips + Modifications
Homemade marinara is all about balance. If it tastes too acidic, add a touch more maple syrup. If it needs more salt, add it. If you don’t like spice, omit the red pepper flakes or use less.
If you prefer a silky marinara, use an immersion blender for a few seconds after cooking. This is especially helpful if you’re serving it to kids or using it as a pizza sauce.
This marinara is delicious over roasted vegetables, vegan meatballs, spaghetti squash, or as a dipping sauce for sourdough or garlic bread.
Since it freezes beautifully, consider making a double batch so you always have homemade marinara ready for quick dinners.
More Vegan Italian Recipes
Rosemary Garlic Air Fryer Gnocchi
Stovetop Lentil Broccoli Gnocchi
My Grandma’s Simple Bruschetta Recipe
Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce (10-Minute Recipe)
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 (28oz) can of crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15oz) can of tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- zest from one small lemon
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt over medium heat. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Do not allow the garlic to burn.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, maple syrup, and more salt as needed. Give it a good stir.Turn the heat to medium-high until the sauce begins to gently simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes, giving it a quick stir every minute. The sauce will bubble as it simmers, so keeping it covered is important.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add fresh lemon zest and then give it a stir. Serve immediately.
