Simple Pantry Marinara Sauce

With the world situation the way it is, I think it’s safe to assume most of us are playing our own version of chopped, with what we have stashed away in our cupboards! I’m happy to report, we’ve got a new favourite pasta sauce that uses mostly pantry ingredients, takes little time and effort and is delicious. Simple Pantry Marinara Sauce will become a repeat on your weekly meal plan, well beyond this new normal we’re all facing.

A few months back my best friend and I were chatting about pasta sauces. She wanted to try the Best Almost Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, that is on here. It’s so good. Loaded with tons of veggies and lots of classic flavours along with a secret ingredient that sends this sauce over the top.

I was curious though, how her Italian husband would react to it. She had told me his favourite is a classic marinara that his mom makes. So, naturally, I asked how she made it. Her reply was onions, garlic and tomatoes, I think there was some olive oil, but I remember thinking where’s the rest? She cooks it low and slow and it’s delicious.

I’ve had that simmering (pun intended) in the back of my mind for months. I decided to make a batch of these Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Chicken Meatballs and needed a quick sauce to finish them in. So, I raided the pantry and came up with a can of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. That’s when I remembered my friend’s conversation. So I started it off with onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil. Then I added the tomatoes and sauce and just a hint of spice, cause, well, I think everything can use some seasoning! And you guys it was delicious!

I made a second batch the following week and it disappeared too. It reminds me of a restaurant spaghetti sauce. It’s a simple sauce that elevates the pasta to a dish worthy of your dinner table. And the best part? You probably already have everything in your cupboards.

How to make Simple Pantry Marinara Sauce

Like I said earlier, it’s an easy sauce that takes such minimal effort, you’ll be adding it to your list of favourites right away. So, search that pantry, grab the few ingredients and let’s get started!

I like to use red onions here, it’s just my personal preference for this, but you can use regular yellow onions too. Saute the onions until they’re soft and then add in the pressed garlic, stir that around for a bit until it starts to get fragrant about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. Mix in the spices and butter. Let it all simmer for about 20 minutes and then serve with spaghetti noodles. That’s it!

Seriously, such an easy pasta sauce! It’s the perfect dish to serve on those nights when you forget to plan ahead. Or you just don’t want to put out the effort for a full-fledged dinner. Sometimes a few classic ingredients create the very best meal. The next time you’re stuck for an idea, check your pantry because dinner might already be in there!

If you love Simple Pantry Marinara Sauce, check out these other delicious easy weeknight recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:

• Weeknight Garlic Bread Pizza
• Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
• Chicken Egg Roll in a Bowl with Wonton Crisps

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If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!

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