Simple Marinara Sauce

Name: Simple Marinara Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 32 oz canned whole tomatoes; 5 cloves garlic; 2 tbsp Calabrian chilis, chopped (optional); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp Calabrian chili oil, from the jar (optional); 1/4 cup water; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 1 lb spaghetti, or other pasta; Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional); Micro basil, for garnish (optional)

This simple marinara sauce combines canned whole tomatoes, fresh garlic, and optional Calabrian chilis for a quick, flavorful Italian classic. The optional chili oil adds a spicy arrabbiata kick without requiring additional steps.

🌍Italian 🏷️Marinara sauce 🏷️Arrabbiata sauce 🏷️Pasta sauce 🏷️Tomato sauce Spicy

🏷️

-0:00

cookingwithshereenonTikTok

Total

25 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by cookingwithshereen

-0:00

cookingwithshereenonTikTok

Ingredients

32 oz canned whole tomatoes
5 cloves garlic
2 tbsp Calabrian chilis, chopped (optional)optional
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp Calabrian chili oil, from the jar (optional)optional
1/4 cup water
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1 lb spaghetti, or other pasta
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)optional
Micro basil, for garnish (optional)optional

12 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Using an immersion blender, blend the canned tomatoes directly in the jar until smooth.
2
Peel and mince the garlic cloves. If using, finely chop the Calabrian chilis.
3
Pour enough extra virgin olive oil to coat the bottom of a cold skillet.
4
Turn the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic and optional chopped chilis to the cold oil.
5
Sauté gently, stirring to ensure the garlic doesn't burn. The goal is to infuse the oil with flavor without overheating it.
6
For extra flavor, add a splash of the oil from the Calabrian chili jar.
7
Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the blended tomatoes.
8
Rinse the tomato jar with a little water and add it to the skillet to get all the remaining tomato.
9
Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10
Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce.
11
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
12
While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package directions.
13
Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat everything evenly.
14
Plate the pasta and garnish with an extra drizzle of olive oil and fresh micro basil, if desired.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Crush the canned tomatoes by hand as they simmer—this releases more juice and creates a better texture than leaving them whole.
Toast the garlic slices in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned; browning creates bitterness.
Add the Calabrian chili oil in the last minute of cooking to preserve its fresh spice and fruity notes.
Tear basil by hand rather than cutting to prevent bruising and oxidation, which dulls the flavor.

Substitutions

Calabrian chilis → red pepper flakes (start with 1/4 tsp, adjust to taste)
Fresh basil → fresh parsley or oregano (use 2 tbsp dried oregano if fresh is unavailable)
Extra virgin olive oil → regular olive oil (loses some flavor complexity but works)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently on low heat.

Common Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use about 2 lbs of fresh tomatoes. Core and blanch them first, then peel and crush. Fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking (30-40 minutes) to concentrate flavor.

What's the difference between marinara and arrabbiata?

Marinara is a simple tomato sauce with garlic and herbs. Arrabbiata adds spicy red chilis. This recipe bridges both: the Calabrian chilis are optional, so you can make either version.

How long does marinara sauce keep?

Refrigerate up to 5 days in an airtight container, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.

Can I make this sauce ahead?

Yes. Make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat slowly before serving to prevent scorching.

Can I use jarred garlic instead of fresh cloves?

Fresh garlic is preferred for cleaner flavor, but 1 tbsp jarred minced garlic can substitute for 5 cloves. Add it near the end of cooking to avoid bitterness.