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Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 5 reviews

This Quick and Easy Marinara Sauce is a flavorful, homemade tomato sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for various Italian dishes. Made with a blend of fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, pesto, and Italian seasoning, this sauce comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal effort, delivering a rich and aromatic flavor that enhances any meal.

Ingredients

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup prepared or homemade pesto
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 14 ½-ounce can fire-roasted canned tomatoes
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/2-1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped or torn fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat Olive Oil and Pesto: Heat olive oil in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat for about 1 minute. Then add the pesto and Italian seasoning, cooking for another minute until fragrant, which helps to release the herbs’ flavors into the oil.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, crushed red pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix well ensuring all ingredients combine uniformly.
  3. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a low but steady simmer over medium-low heat. Let it gently bubble and reduce for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  4. Adjust Seasonings and Finish: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed, adding up to 1 teaspoon total. Stir in the fresh basil leaves if using for a fresh herbal note. Serve the marinara sauce warm with your favorite pasta or dish.

Notes

  • Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky depth of flavor, but regular canned tomatoes can be substituted.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to taste for a milder or spicier sauce.
  • The sauce fridge-stores well for up to 5 days and freezes nicely for up to 3 months.
  • Fresh basil is optional but recommended for added brightness.
  • For a smoother sauce, blend lightly after simmering.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/quick-and-easy-marinara-sauce-recipe/