tomato pasta sauce
Classic 20-Minute Marinara Pasta Sauce
A classic quick marinara with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and basil for an easy homemade pasta sauce in about 20 minutes.
5Prep min
20Cook min
25Total min
4 servingsYield
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Recipe card
Classic 20-Minute Marinara Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 small pinch red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar, only if needed
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a wide saucepan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 2
Add crushed tomatoes, oregano and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- 3
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Taste and add sugar only if the tomatoes are unusually sharp. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5
Tear in fresh basil just before serving.
Helpful notes
- A wide pan helps excess moisture evaporate faster.
- Fresh basil is best added at the end so it stays fragrant.
Use this as a base for spaghetti, baked pasta, lasagna or pizza-style dishes.
Storage and freezing
Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze in airtight portions for up to 3 months.