Go Back
A close-up photo of marinara sauce, with pieces of basil and oregano visible in the red tomato sauce.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Marinara Sauce Recipe | Italian Version

Savor the essence of the Mediterranean with this simple yet flavorful Marinara Sauce. Made with ripe tomatoes or rich tomato puree, fragrant garlic, and high-quality extra virgin olive oil, this sauce is a versatile Italian classic that adds a burst of summer to any dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: First Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: marinara sauce
Servings: 4
Author: Guido Pasquariello

Equipment

  • Skillet or saucepan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • 3 cups ripe tomatoes or tomato puree
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped (or frozen parsley)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Prepare the Garlic: Peel and thinly slice the garlic clove.
    1 clove garlic
  • Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and gently fry the garlic until golden.
    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Add Tomatoes: Wash and chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Add them to the skillet and stir.
    3 cups ripe tomatoes
  • Cook the Sauce: Let the mixture cook until it reduces to a sauce consistency. Stir well and season with salt.
    Salt
  • Finish with Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the parsley and oregano. Serve warm or at room temperature.
    1 teaspoon dried oregano, A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Notes

  • If using tomato puree, the cooking time may be shorter.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs according to your taste.
 
Versatile Uses of Marinara Sauce:
 
  • On Pizza: Spread cold on pizza dough, adding herbs after baking to avoid bitterness.
  • With Meat: Great for "Carne alla pizzaiola" - fry meat slices with garlic and oil, then add sauce and cook.
  • On Toasted Bread: Perfect for bruschetta-like crostini. Toast bread slices, then top with sauce.