Homemade marinara sauce is a staple in many kitchens. This recipe for Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a flavorful sauce that enhances pasta dishes, pizza, and more.

Why Make This Recipe
Making your own marinara sauce has several benefits. First, it allows you to control the ingredients and avoid preservatives found in store-bought options. Second, it’s cost-effective, as you can make a large batch for a fraction of the price. Finally, the taste of fresh homemade sauce is unmatched. This recipe is perfect for those who want to whip up a quick and tasty sauce without fuss.
How to Make Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small diced yellow onion
- 2 (15-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or more to taste)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
Directions:
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 small diced yellow onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- In a food processor or blender, combine 2 (15-ounce) cans of stewed tomatoes, 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
- Pulse the mixture until smooth.
- Add the blended tomato mixture to the onions in the saucepan. Then add ½ cup of chicken broth or water. Sauté for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
How to Serve Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce goes well with various dishes. Serve it over your favorite pasta, spread it on pizza dough, or use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. You can also pair it with meatballs for a delicious meal.
How to Store Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
To store your homemade marinara sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
- Adjust the sweetness: If you find the sauce too acidic, add a little more sugar to taste.
- Add fresh herbs: For a burst of fresh flavor, consider adding fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Use fresh tomatoes: If you prefer, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Just be sure to peel and chop them first!
Variation
For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the saucepan while cooking the onions. This will give your marinara sauce a nice kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! Just peel and chop them before blending.
2. Is this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this sauce can be vegetarian.
3. How long does homemade marinara sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade marinara sauce can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Easiest Homemade Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main 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
Cooking
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 small diced yellow onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- In a food processor or blender, combine 2 (15-ounce) cans of stewed tomatoes, 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
- Pulse the mixture until smooth.
- Add the blended tomato mixture to the onions in the saucepan. Then add ½ cup of chicken broth or water. Sauté for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend together.


