Pescatarian Classic Marinara Sauce
There is something deeply satisfying about a marinara sauce made entirely from scratch, and this one delivers that rich, slow-cooked flavor with just a handful of honest ingredients. San Marzano tomatoes are the real star here — their natural sweetness and low acidity make for a sauce that tastes like it simmered all afternoon, even on a weeknight. Thinly sliced garlic bloomed gently in olive oil builds a fragrant, golden base that store-bought jars simply cannot replicate. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth without overwhelming the bright tomato flavor, and torn fresh basil stirred in at the end keeps everything tasting vibrant and alive. This sauce is naturally meat-free and built entirely from pantry staples and fresh aromatics, so it fits seamlessly into a seafood-forward or plant-leaning table without any substitutions required. Spoon it over pasta, use it as a base for a quick shrimp fra diavolo, or pile it onto crusty bread — it holds its own in just about any direction you take it.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled san marzano tomatoes
- ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp granulated sugar (optional)
- 6 fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until it shimmers. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden at the edges, about 2–3 minutes. Watch closely — garlic can brown quickly and will turn bitter.
- 2
Pour the canned tomatoes and their juices into the pan. Using a potato masher or fork, crush the tomatoes into rough, uneven pieces directly in the pan.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!