Print

Homemade Marinara Sauce (with Fresh Basil)

Homemade marinara sauce with fresh basil in a white saucepan on a warm kitchen countertop
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A simple, beginner-friendly homemade marinara sauce made with whole tomatoes, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, and a slow simmer for rich, balanced flavor. Smooth, classic, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping.

Ingredients

  • 2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (28 oz) can whole peeled tomatoes
  • 2 TBSP tomato paste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 TBSP chopped fresh parsley
  • ½–¾ tsp salt (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sugar (add up to 2 tsp if needed)
  • 1–2 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1½ TBSP dried basil)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion and cook 5–7 minutes, until soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  4. Add the whole tomatoes and gently crush them with a spoon.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  6. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Add fresh basil during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  9. Use an immersion blender to pulse until smooth, or carefully transfer to a blender and pulse briefly.

Notes

  • For thicker sauce, simmer longer.

  • For pizza sauce, reduce until slightly thicker than pasta sauce.

  • Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/homemade-marinara-sauce/