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Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

Modified: Jul 22, 2025 · Published: Oct 2, 2019 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Easy San Marzano Tomato Sauce Recipe

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Overhead view of bowl of pasta with meatballs.
Overhead view of bowl of pasta with meatballs.

Skip the jar! This easy San Marzano tomato sauce is my go-to when I want something fast, fresh, and full of flavor. It comes together in about 20 minutes with simple pantry staples like garlic, herbs, olive oil, and a can of San Marzano tomatoes. Use it for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or even warm pasta salad. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Updated July 2025 with step-by-step photos, storage tips, and new FAQs for better results. Originally posted October 2019.

Overhead jar of sauce by lid, napkin, and bowl of basil.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Sauce
  • Before You Cook, Read This
  • Key Ingredients
  • 📖 Recipe
  • Storage
  • Ways to Use It
  • FAQs
  • More Recipes Using This Sauce

Why You'll Love This Sauce

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes or less.
  • Pantry-Friendly: Uses 8 everyday ingredients.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Make once, use again and again.
  • Versatile: Pairs perfectly with pizza, pasta, casseroles, or as a dip.

Before You Cook, Read This

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor, they’re naturally sweeter and lower in acidity.
  • Fresh vs. dried herbs: Dried herbs work great, but fresh basil or oregano adds a pop of brightness if you have it.
  • No blender needed: Crushed tomatoes give you that semi-smooth texture without extra steps.

Key Ingredients

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make sauce.
  • San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes: For that classic, rich tomato flavor.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes.
  • Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil.
  • Herbs: Basil, oregano, rosemary, and a bay leaf.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: For seasoning and taste.
  • Sugar (optional): Just a pinch to balance acidity.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

📖 Recipe

Close up overhead view of a bowl of pasta.

San Marzano Tomato Sauce

LaKita Anderson
Make the best San Marzano Tomato Sauce recipe using canned tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Simple, quick, and full of rich flavor. Perfect for pasta night!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 105 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 28 ounce can of crushed san marzano tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • pinch of sugar

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients into a medium saucepan and bring to a low boil on medium-high heat.
  • Then cover, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to allow all of those wonderful flavors to come together. Remove the bay leaf.
  • Use immediately in your favorite recipe or store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer up to 4 months.
Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 264mgPotassium: 624mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 464IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword easy homemade pasta sauce, san marzano tomato sauce
Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!
Close up view of finished sauce in a jar.

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Storage

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 4 months in sealed containers.

Ways to Use It

  • Toss with spaghetti and meatballs
  • Layer into lasagna
  • Spread on pizza crust
  • Use to dip some warm bread
Overhead view of pasta and meatballs in a white bowl.

FAQs

What’s the difference between San Marzano and regular tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are grown in volcanic soil and have fewer seeds, making them sweeter and less acidic, perfect for sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but they’ll need to be peeled, seeded, and cooked longer. For ease and consistency, canned is best here.

Is this sauce chunky or smooth?

Crushed tomatoes give it a slightly textured, semi-smooth finish. For a smoother sauce, use pureed tomatoes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! This sauce freezes well and is perfect for meal prep.

Close up side view of hand sprinkling parmesan on top of bowl of pasta.

More Recipes Using This Sauce

  • Pizza Bowls 
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs 
  • Easy Lasagna
  • Ravioli Lasagna 
  • Lasagna Soup
  • Pepperoni Bread
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    Supreme Pizza Recipe (Homemade with 6 Classic Toppings)
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    Easy Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers Recipe
  • finished broccoli casserole in glass baking dish on marble surface
    Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe (Cheesy & Easy!)
  • Finished salmon patties on white plate on marble surface.
    Old Fashioned Salmon Patties Recipe with Canned Salmon and Breadcrumbs

I’d love to hear how this San Marzano Tomato Sauce turned out for you! Did you serve it with pasta, pizza, or something creative? Drop your tips or twists in the comments below. I read every single one.

💌 From my kitchen to yours, happy cooking!

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Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Chelle {Everyday Polish} says

    March 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    This looks delicious! Will definitely be trying it out next time I make pasta, although your homemade pizza looks so yummy that now I'm tempted to experiment with that as well.

    Reply
    • admin says

      March 25, 2014 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you so much! Please do experiment away and let me know how it turns out. I was also going to make pasta with the sauce, but decided to try something different instead.

      Reply
Head shot bio photo of LaKita in an orange shirt.

Hi, I'm LaKita. I'm a Lifelong home cook and self-taught baker. I've been sharing modern comfort food through food blogging, recipe development, and photography since 2013.

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