Dinner

Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe

Name: Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small diced yellow onion; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes; 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more to taste); ½ cup chicken broth or water

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 6, 2026January 6, 2026

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Introduction

This homemade marinara sauce is incredibly simple to make and full of rich, classic Italian flavors. It uses pantry staples and comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you want a fresh tomato sauce.

A close-up view of a deep white bowl filled with smooth, thick, rich red tomato sauce that has small bits of texture throughout. The sauce covers the whole bowl evenly, with some sauce marks around the rim. Inside the sauce is a wooden spoon with a dark brown handle partially submerged, showing natural wood grain. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are some green basil leaves and a small white dish with garlic cloves. A striped grey and white cloth is near the bowl’s edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more to taste)
½ cup chicken broth or water

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the onion is tender and translucent.
Step 2: In a food processor or blender, combine the stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar. Pulse until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Pour the blended tomato mixture into the saucepan with the cooked onions. Add the chicken broth or water and stir well.
Step 4: Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water and add a splash of red wine during the simmering step.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the tomatoes less in the blender or skip blending entirely.
Fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end adds a fresh herb note.

Storage

Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.