Marinara Sauce Recipe in 20 mins

Name: Marinara Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 cup Onions (finely chopped); 1/2 cup Carrots (finely chopped); 1 tbsp Galic (minced); 1 tbsp Sugar; 28 oz Crushed tomatoes (canned); 2 tbsp Tomato paste; 1 tbsp Oregano (dried); 1/2 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Pepper; 1/2 cup Water

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Marinara Sauce Recipe in 20 Minutes

This marinara sauce recipe gets done in under 20 minutes with canned tomatoes and a few pantry staples. I also show you my cool trick to getting a nice deep red color on homemade tomato sauce.

How to make a tomato sauce Marinara in just 20 minutes — Homemade Pasta Sauce - Marinara in 20 minutes, marinara sauce recipe,

There is always marinara sauce in my freezer. When I have time, I make a big batch with fresh tomatoes. And, sometimes, I make a big batch with canned tomatoes. Then, I freeze them in batches so I can use it on busy days. I like to use it on its own over pasta, or make a mushroom sauce, meat sauce, or vegetarian lasagna.

About this marinara sauce recipe

Unlike my marinara sauce with fresh tomatoes, this is a simple and easy recipe to make in under 20 minutes. Because we are using canned crushed tomatoes.

This sauce doesn't really need a lot of ingredients. Canned tomatoes and a few pantry staples. I also like to add fresh herbs to my sauce to get that wonderful fresh flavor.

There is so much you can do with this marinara sauce. So, double the amount and save some for later.

Use it as is over boiled pasta.
You can thicken it and use it as a pizza sauce (or use my 5 mins pizza sauce).
Brown some ground beef with a marinara sauce recipe for a quick meat sauce or try my bolognese sauce.
Add some mushrooms to make a quick mushroom sauce.

Homemade Pasta Sauce - Marinara in 20 minutes

How I get a deep red color for my marinara sauce recipe?

Caramelizing the sugar - The main purpose of the brown sugar here is to caramelize it so it adds a touch of brown to the red color. Do you know what happens to red when you add a touch of brown? It deepens the red. We are using the same principle here. Just add a dash of brown to the red. That is why we want to make sure we just caramelize the sugar, not burn it.

I use this trick to deepen my red fondant in cake decorating. One day I realized this should also work with my pasta sauce. Right? Guess what, it does. Now, you can get a deep red color for your fresh tomato marinara sauce every single time.

Ingredients and substitutes

Tomatoes - A marinara sauce is best made with crushed tomatoes. I like to use different types of cans to get some variety in my sauce.
Oregano - Adds a nice flavor along with the basil.
Onion - I love the flavor of Spanish onions in my tomato sauce.
Garlic - I'm using fresh, but you can also use 1/4 tsp garlic powder.
Herbs - I love the flavor of fresh basil and parsley but you can also use 1/2 tsp each of dried instead.

How to make a marinara sauce in 20 mins (save/pin)

Using a clean cutting board and utility knife, finely chop the onions, carrots, and garlic so they almost disappear in the sauce.
In a Dutch oven or heavy-bottom skillet, add oil.
Saute the onions and carrots until the onions are translucent.
Then, add the garlic and sugar. Saute until the sugar is caramelized (this is what gives a rich deep red color for our marinara sauce).
Next, add the crushed tomatoes - combine well.

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures1

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures7

Saute the onions and carrots in oil then add garlic and brown sugar

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures8

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures2

Then, add the tomato paste and oregano.
Season with salt and pepper.
Add the water, parsley, and basil leaves.
Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning.

Add the herbs and spices to the sauce marinara

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures3

Cover and simmer the sauce in marinara for 10 minutes

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures5

Add the parsley and basil to the sauce marinara

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures4

Marinara Sauce in 20 Minutes Progress Pictures6

Serve with your favorite pasta or use in your recipe as directed.
This recipe freezes well in these silicone storage bags.

Frequently asked questions

How long with this fresh marinara sauce keep?

This sauce will keep in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. You can portion it and freeze it in freezer-safe bags for about 3 months.

Is this marinara sauce the same as a tomato sauce?

Both are tomato sauce. However, marinara sauce recipe is best made with crushed and strained San Marzano or plum tomatoes.

Is this the same as pasta sauce?

Yes, the base is the same. Pasta sauce is usually simmered over low heat until thicker. The slow cooking makes the tomatoes sweeter, richer and deeper in flavor. Often other ingredients are also added. Sometimes, a sprinkle of parmesan, cream, sour cream can be added as well.

Can I use this sauce over spaghetti?

Absolutely, you can make a wonderful vegetarian spaghetti pasta with this sauce. Or, try my bolognese sauce with ground meat. However, a basic spaghetti sauce has other ingredients added like carrots, celery, meat, and cheese such as parmesan.

Can I use this sauce over my pizza?

Yes, of course, just cook the sauce a few minutes longer so it is thicker, not runny. Or, you can use my homemade 5 minutes pizza sauce.

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST FOR LATER. TRIED MY RECIPE? SHARE IT WITH ME, PLEASE.
Share a picture of your work with me by uploading an image here below my image on this board. You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.

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