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4.67 from 3 votes
Marinara on curly fusilli in a white bowl with a green napkin, bread and sauce pan of sauce near by.
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Basic Marinara
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
A simple marinara sauce should be part of every cook's repertoire. The key to a good marinara sauce is starting with good ingredients.
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Vegetarian, Pasta, Sauces
Servings: 8
Calories: 81 kcal
Author: The Blue Jean Chef, Meredith Laurence
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic sliced
  • pinch hot red pepper flakes
  • 28 ounce crushed canned tomatoes, OR 6 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
  • 3 sprigs each fresh parsley and basil optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon sugar or balsamic vinegar optional
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
  1. Add the olive oil, garlic and hot red pepper flakes to a deep sauté pan or Dutch oven, and then heat the pan over medium heat. Cook gently until the garlic is fragrant, but do not brown.

  2. Add the tomatoes and fresh herb sprigs (if using) and bring to a simmer. Simmer for about 20 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and sugar or balsamic vinegar if desired (you may find it needs no sweetening.) Remove the herb sprigs and stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil.

  3. Serve over pasta or in any number of dishes.

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts
Basic Marinara
Amount Per Serving
Calories 81 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Sodium 423mg18%
Potassium 305mg9%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 405IU8%
Vitamin C 12.5mg15%
Calcium 38mg4%
Iron 1.5mg8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.