Go Back
–+ servings

Best Marinara Sauce Yet

A bright, herb-forward Italian marinara sauce simmered with onion, garlic, oregano, parsley, and a splash of white wine for layered, restaurant-quality flavor in under 45 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 151
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or water or low-sodium broth
  • 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon sugar optional
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Method
 

  1. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until soft and translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, 30 to 60 seconds.
  3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 1 to 2 minutes to caramelize and deepen the flavor.
  4. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits; simmer 1 to 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, bay leaf, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, partially covered, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in the parsley and basil. Simmer 2 more minutes. Remove and discard the bay leaf; taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. For a smoother sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender; for a chunky texture, leave as is. Use immediately or cool and refrigerate up to 5 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 151kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 685mgFiber: 2gSugar: 7g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!