Easy Marinara Sauce

5 from 38 votes

This easy marinara is so simple and can be made in the time it takes to boil pasta. All you need are quality tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

1 28 ounce can high-quality whole or crushed plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed
3 ounces tomato paste
6 cloves garlic sliced
1/4 cup fresh basil about 10 leaves, hand torn
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound pasta of your choice
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste

In a large pan over medium-low heat, saute the sliced garlic in a 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons kosher salt per gallon of water) to boil and cook your pasta for 1 minute less than al dente.
Once the garlic turns lightly golden (about 2 minutes), add the tomato paste and cook out for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. If using, add a 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking the paste.
Add a touch of water (about 2 ounces) to loosen the paste and give it a stir. Add the plum tomatoes.
Cook for 5-10 minutes, simmering.
Taste teste and adjust salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper levels before tossing with the pasta.
Remove half the sauce and add the pasta to the pan, cooking for 1 minute on medium- low heat or until al dente. If necessary, add a bit more sauce to get the sauce level just right. Add a couple ounces of pasta water to loosen if required.
Hand tear basil leaves and add to the pasta right before serving. Serve with grated cheese and crusty Italian bread. Enjoy!

Be sure to either hand crush or lightly pulse your tomatoes to retain their bright red color. Blending will add oxygen to the tomatoes and turn them orange. Alternatively, you can use canned crushed tomatoes.
Watch your garlic closely to ensure it doesn't burn. Cook on low to medium-low heat - you want the color to be lightly golden.
Cook your pasta a bit less than al dente and reserve some pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce a bit.