Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe Using Only Canned Tomatoes

Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe Using Only Canned Tomatoes had an impressive pasta night without spending five hours channeling your inner nonna? Yeah, me neither – until I discovered the magic of transforming plain canned tomatoes into restaurant-quality sauce.

Listen, I’m about to share the easiest homemade pasta sauce recipe that’ll make you question why you ever bought the jarred stuff.

This simple canned tomato pasta sauce requires just pantry staples and 20 minutes of your time. No fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques – just honest, rich flavor that’ll have everyone convinced you’ve been cooking all day.

The secret? It’s all in how you treat those humble canned tomatoes. And once you learn this method, you’ll never look at that pantry staple the same way again…

Why is this the best marinara sauce?

This marinara sauce stands out because it balances simplicity with incredible flavor. Using only pantry staples, it delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Unlike store-bought versions packed with sugar and preservatives, this homemade sauce lets the natural sweetness of tomatoes shine through while Italian herbs add authentic depth.

Watch How to Make Marinara Sauce

Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe Using Only Canned Tomatoes with

Super Simple Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

5 cloves minced garlic, 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and fresh basil leaves. That’s it! No fancy ingredients, just pantry staples that create the most incredible marinara sauce you’ve ever tasted.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in tomatoes with their juices, crushing them with your hands as you add them. Stir in oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after cooking. This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freezes beautifully for 3 months. Double the batch – you won’t regret having extra on hand for quick weeknight dinners. Some folks add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, but good quality tomatoes rarely need it.

Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Per Serving (½ cup):
Calories: 85
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 6g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 325mg
Fiber: 1.5g

This simple sauce packs a nutritional punch with lycopene from tomatoes and heart-healthy olive oil, while staying relatively low in calories.

Kathryne Taylor

Kathryne Taylor, the culinary genius behind Cookie and Kate, has blessed us with more than just pasta sauce recipes. Her approach to cooking celebrates simple ingredients transformed into extraordinary dishes. Whether you’re craving something spicy, nutty, or herbaceous, Taylor’s recipes deliver restaurant-quality results with pantry staples and minimal effort.

Arugula Pesto

Move over, basil! This peppery twist on traditional pesto brings bright, zippy flavor to any pasta dish. Taylor’s arugula pesto combines the peppery bite of fresh arugula with toasted pine nuts, garlic, and good-quality olive oil. Just five minutes in a food processor, and you’ve got a versatile sauce that elevates everything from spaghetti to roasted vegetables.

Homemade Peanut Butter

Who knew making peanut butter could be so ridiculously simple? Taylor’s one-ingredient wonder (just roasted peanuts!) will make you question why you ever bought the store version. Dump peanuts in a food processor, let it run for about 5 minutes, and watch the magic happen. Creamy, natural, and customizable with a touch of honey or cinnamon.

Arrabbiata Sauce

When you’re craving some heat, Taylor’s arrabbiata sauce delivers that perfect spicy kick. This fiery red sauce combines crushed tomatoes, garlic, and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes for a sauce that wakes up your taste buds. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s her go-to for quick weeknight pasta dinners when regular marinara feels too boring.

Pickled Jalapeños

Taylor’s quick-pickled jalapeños add that perfect tangy heat to elevate any dish. Unlike store-bought versions, these retain their vibrant color and crisp texture. The simple brine of vinegar, water, salt, and a touch of honey balances the peppers’ natural heat. They’re ready in just 10 minutes and transform everything from tacos to grilled cheese sandwiches.

Tried this sauce last night and it blew my mind! So much flavor from just pantry ingredients. I added a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Wondering if anyone has tried freezing portions of this sauce? Would love to make a big batch for busy weeknights!

What Readers Are Saying

This pasta sauce has absolutely saved my weeknight dinners! I always keep canned tomatoes on hand now. Made it three times last week, and my picky kids devoured it every time. The simplicity is genius—just a few pantry staples transformed into something that tastes like it simmered all day. Game changer!

Easy, Authentic Marinara in Minutes

Transforming a humble can of tomatoes into a rich, flavorful marinara sauce doesn’t require culinary expertise or hours at the stove. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, you can create a versatile sauce that rivals restaurant quality. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—letting quality ingredients shine through minimal processing, creating that authentic Italian flavor that complements any pasta dish.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or looking to elevate your homemade pizza, this marinara sauce recipe is your new secret weapon. Make a larger batch to freeze for future meals, experiment with herbs to customize the flavor profile, or use it as a foundation for more complex sauces. Once you master this basic technique, you’ll never reach for store-bought sauce again!

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