TOMATO BASIL MARINARA SAUCE
- WineCheeseScallops
- Nov 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 3
Indulge in the robust flavors of our Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce—a homemade classic that elevates any pasta night! With its velvety blend of tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic simmered to perfection, this sauce brings the authentic taste of an Italian kitchen right to your home. Easy to make, versatile, and perfect for freezing, it’s a recipe you'll want on repeat. Trust us, your taste buds and family will thank you!

"I love this sauce! I'm not used to chunky tomato's in my pasta sauce, but was pleasantly pleased when I tried this. Keep posting delicious recipes for me to try!!!" - Brian W.
Pair this recipe with our Chicken Parmesan for the ultimate dish!
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil:
Known for its health benefits and rich flavor, extra virgin olive oil not only adds a luxurious texture to sauces but also enhances the aromatic notes of the garlic. It’s high in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, making it a staple in Mediterranean cooking.
Fresh Basil:
A quintessential Italian herb, basil adds vibrant, fresh notes to the sauce and pairs beautifully with tomatoes. Beyond its fragrant qualities, basil has anti-inflammatory properties and is rich in antioxidants, making it as healthy as it is flavorful!
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This Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce is inspired by the classic Italian sugo al pomodoro—a simple yet flavorful sauce that’s become a foundation of Italian cuisine. The tradition of simmering tomatoes, garlic, and herbs together goes back centuries, with each family putting its unique twist on this staple. Our version adds a fresh basil kick and just a touch of sweetness, capturing the rustic charm of Italian cooking while remaining versatile enough to use in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, using it as a pizza base, or even as a dipping sauce, this marinara sauce is a must-try for any Italian food lover.
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Tips, Serving Suggestions, and Storage Advice:

Prevent Garlic from Burning: Puree and cook the garlic with olive oil on medium heat, stirring continuously to keep it from browning too quickly.
Balance the Acidity: Adjust the sugar to your liking to offset the acidity of the tomatoes, particularly if using canned tomatoes.
Fresh Basil Addition: Add basil toward the end of cooking to preserve its fresh, aromatic flavor.
Consistency Control: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Storage: Freeze half the sauce in an airtight container for up to three months.
Serve with Fresh Pasta: Fresh pasta highlights the sauce’s flavor better than dried.
Enhance with Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for extra richness.
Use as a Pizza Sauce: This marinara makes a perfect base for homemade pizza.
Flavor with Chili Flakes: Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Double the Recipe: This sauce freezes well, so consider making a double batch to always have some on hand.
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Why This Recipe Stands Out | TOMATO BASIL MARINARA SAUCE

Fresh, simple ingredients give the sauce a homemade, vibrant taste.
Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly for busy weeks.
Customizable sweetness and spice levels.
Perfect for a variety of dishes, from pasta to pizza.
Made with fresh basil, giving it an authentic Italian aroma.
It’s both beginner-friendly and ideal for advanced cooks who love to add personal touches.
Heart-healthy thanks to olive oil and antioxidant-rich tomatoes.
Slow-cooked for depth of flavor, without the need for constant attention.
Allows for ingredient flexibility (try adding mushrooms or red pepper flakes).
It’s a family favorite, with each batch slightly unique based on your taste preferences.
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Ingredients:

½ cup extra virgin olive oil
6 cloves garlic
3 cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (10.75 oz) tomato puree
1 ½ Tbs kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 cups fresh basil, coarsely chopped
½ Tbs sugar (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
In a food processor, blend the olive oil and garlic until smooth.
Pour the garlic mixture into a stockpot or Dutch oven (we love our 6 qt Essential pan for this!) and heat over medium, stirring until garlic becomes fragrant and starts to color—be careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring now and then.
Add the chopped basil and sugar, adjusting sweetness to taste. This recipe makes about 2 quarts, so feel free to freeze half for future meals unless you’re cooking for a group.
MUST-HAVE TOOLS FOR THIS RECIPE
We’re so excited for you to try this recipe! To make it even easier, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen tools that are super helpful for this recipe. By using our affiliate links below, you’ll not only be getting top-notch products but also supporting our blog, Wine Cheese Scallops. Thank you so much for your support—happy cooking!
For the freshest ingredients to recreate dishes like these at home, we always visit our local gem, General Steak and Seafood.
Their high-quality selection never disappoints!
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