Easy 20-Minute Marinara Sauce with Garlic and Basil

This Quick Marinara Sauce Is the Only One You’ll Ever Need

This easy 20-minute marinara sauce is bursting with bold garlic flavor and made from pantry staples. It's lighter than store-bought and perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, and more.

Why This Quick Marinara Sauce Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

A good marinara sauce is one of the most useful recipes to have in your back pocket. This version is quick, garlicky, and beautifully balanced—without the added sugar or preservatives found in most store-bought jars.

It’s your all-purpose tomato sauce, great for everything from spaghetti to meatballs to chicken Parmesan. And because it uses pantry staples and comes together in under 20 minutes, it’s a go-to for busy weeknights.

“So easy to make and was delicious! Will always use this recipe. Very low carbs. Low sugar… Perfect!” – Marcia Gilliard

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, smashed

• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (Tuttorosso or San Marzano preferred)

• 1 small bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

• Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat

How to Make Marinara Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a medium pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add smashed garlic cloves and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn them.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.

3. Simmer

Cover and simmer the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and aromatic.

4. Finish with Fresh Basil

Remove from heat. Stir in chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning as needed.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Freeze in portioned containers or silicone cubes for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Warm over the stove or in the microwave.

Marinara vs. Tomato Sauce

While they share a base, marinara sauce is quicker, lighter, and made with just a few key ingredients. Tomato sauce, or sugo, typically simmers longer and may include onions, wine, or meat for a richer, deeper flavor.

For weeknight meals, marinara is your best bet. For Sunday dinner, go with tomato sauce.

Delicious Ways to Use Marinara Sauce

• Over pasta (especially spaghetti, penne, or ziti)

• With turkey meatballs or giant stuffed shells

• Spread on pizza or flatbread

• Layered into lasagna or baked ziti

• Over eggplant Parmesan or roasted spaghetti squash

• As a dip for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks

Common Questions

Can I freeze marinara sauce?
Yes. Let it cool, then freeze in portions for easy reheating.

Can I use it on pizza?
Absolutely—just simmer it longer if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Can I add onion or other veggies?
Definitely. Finely diced onions, carrots, or celery can be sautéed with the garlic for extra depth.

What if my sauce is too acidic?
Add a small pinch of sugar or baking soda to balance the flavor.

Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Serving)

• Calories: 53

• Carbs: 9.5g

• Fat: 1g

• Fiber: 0.25g

• Sugar: 4.5g

• Sodium: 282mg

Recipe Summary

Quick Marinara Sauce
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total: 20 mins
Servings: 6 (1/2 cup each)

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 1 small bay leaf

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions:

1. Heat oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.

2. Add crushed tomatoes, spices, and bay leaf.

3. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.

4. Stir in fresh basil. Adjust seasoning and serve.

From pasta dinners to homemade pizzas, this quick marinara sauce is a weeknight savior and a freezer staple all in one. Keep a batch on hand and you'll never need the jarred stuff again.

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