There’s nothing quite like a classic pasta marinara sauce recipe to bring comfort and flavour to the table. Simple yet full of character, marinara is one of those timeless Italian sauces that everyone should know how to make. With just a few quality ingredients — ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs — you can create a sauce that transforms any pasta dish into something special.
At Gideon Milling, we believe great food starts with wholesome ingredients. Just as our stone-ground flours and pastas preserve the natural taste of wheat, a good marinara preserves the bright, fresh flavour of tomatoes. This recipe keeps things simple, making it perfect for both weeknight meals and slow Sunday lunches with the family.
One of the best things about marinara is its versatility. While it pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or our own stone-ground pasta, it also works as a base for pizza, a dipping sauce for bread, or even layered into a baked lasagna. The sauce cooks quickly but develops deep flavour, striking the perfect balance between sweet tomatoes and savoury garlic.
Because this recipe uses everyday pantry staples, it’s also budget-friendly and adaptable. You can adjust the herbs, add a hint of chilli for spice, or stir in olives and capers for a rustic, Mediterranean twist. No matter how you serve it, marinara remains a true celebration of simple, honest cooking.
For even more background on the origins and variations of marinara sauce, check out this Serious Eats guide to classic marinara. It’s a great resource for understanding the history behind this Italian favourite.
Ingredients
- 2 cans peeled and chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 can whole tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large sprigs fresh basil
Method
- In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
- Pour in tomatoes and use a wooden spoon to break tomatoes into chunks. Fill tomato can almost halfway with water and swirl to catch any remaining sauce, then add to skillet.
- Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper and stir in basil. Bring mixture to simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until liquid has reduced slightly, about 20 minutes. Discard basil before serving.
- Try this marinara sauce with our Pasta Dough recipe made with Gideon Milling White Bread Wheat Flour!
Recipe (adapted) by Makinze Gore.
