
There is something deeply satisfying about a marinara sauce that comes together with just a handful of real, honest ingredients — no fillers, no thickeners, no shortcuts. San Marzano tomatoes bring a natural sweetness and bright acidity that form the backbone of this sauce, while garlic slowly bloomed in good olive oil adds a depth that store-bought jars simply cannot replicate. The red pepper flakes give it just enough warmth, and torn fresh basil stirred in at the end keeps everything tasting alive and vibrant. For anyone avoiding xanthan gum, this recipe is a breath of fresh air. Many commercial pasta sauces and even some homemade recipes rely on gums or stabilizers to achieve that thick, clingy texture — but here, the sauce thickens naturally as it simmers uncovered, letting the tomatoes reduce into something rich and perfectly spoonable all on their own. Every ingredient on this list is clean and straightforward, so there is nothing hidden to second-guess. Whether you spoon it over pasta, use it as a pizza base, or dip crusty bread straight into the pan, this is the kind of sauce that makes you wonder why you ever reached for a jar in the first place.
Fig 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 →4 servings







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.
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.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
