We’ve always been fans of Maggiano’s iconic marinara sauce that captures the essence of Italian-American comfort food. Originating from the restaurant’s hearty traditions it’s a versatile staple perfect for pasta nights or pizza toppings.
In our kitchen we’ve simplified this classic recipe so you can whip up a batch that’s rich flavorful and full of fresh herbs.
Join us as we dive into making your own version that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
In our simplified take on Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce recipe, we select fresh, vibrant ingredients that deliver the authentic Italian-American flavors you love—think aromatic herbs and ripe tomatoes that infuse every bite with rich, tangy depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use extra-virgin for its fruity aroma, heated as the base to sauté aromatics.
- Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): A yellow variety works best for its sweet undertone, diced to release flavors early in cooking.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly crushed for a pungent, bold kick that elevates the sauce’s heartiness.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for their naturally sweet, less acidic profile, forming the sauce’s core.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Added for thickness and intensified marinara essence, stirred in to deepen the color and taste.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Hand-torn just before use to preserve its peppery, aromatic notes that brighten the final sauce.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Crumbled for an earthy, herbal layer that complements the Maggiano’s style.
- Salt (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Kosher salt preferred, adjusted based on the tomatoes’ natural sodium for balanced seasoning.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground): Ground right before adding for a sharp, spicy contrast.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle heat that adds complexity without overwhelming the sauce’s fresh flavors.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon, optional): A touch to mellow acidity if needed, ensuring a harmonious, velvety finish.
Tools and Equipment
Before we dive into preparing our Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce, let’s ensure we have the right tools and equipment on hand. These essentials will help us achieve a smooth, flavorful sauce with minimal effort, building on the vibrant ingredients we’ve gathered.
To keep things organized, we’ve compiled a list of the key tools below. We’ll use bold for important terms and italics to highlight specific uses, ensuring everything flows seamlessly from measuring and chopping to simmering.
- Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: A 4- to 6-quart size is ideal for simmering the sauce without splattering. We recommend one with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution, which prevents burning and ensures our marinara develops rich flavors.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the ingredients as they cook. This tool is gentle on nonstick surfaces and helps us incorporate the fresh basil and oregano evenly.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: Use a sturdy board and a sharp 8-inch knife for finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. This setup allows us to prepare our ingredients quickly and safely, maximizing the sauce’s fresh taste.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s balance—opt for a set that includes 1-cup and 1-tablespoon sizes to measure out the olive oil, tomatoes, and spices precisely.
- Can Opener: Essential for opening cans of San Marzano crushed tomatoes. Choose a smooth-edge model to avoid any metal shavings that could contaminate our sauce.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer (Optional): If we want a smoother texture, this tool lets us strain out any seeds or pulp after cooking, enhancing the silky consistency of our Maggiano’s-inspired marinara.
With these tools ready, we’re set to transition smoothly into the cooking process, turning our selected ingredients into a homemade masterpiece.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through crafting our homemade version of Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce. We promise this process will yield a vibrant, aromatic sauce bursting with authentic Italian-American flavors.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we start cooking, we need to prep our ingredients for efficiency and flavor enhancement. Begin by finely chopping 1 medium onion to release its sweet, pungent essence that forms the base of our sauce. Next, mince 4 garlic cloves—this step infuses a bold, garlicky aroma that elevates the overall taste.
Gather and measure the remaining items as follows:
- 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano crushed tomatoes: Ensure the can is unopened and ready for use to provide that rich, tangy tomato foundation.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Scoop this out for a concentrated burst of depth and color.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly torn or chopped, to add a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, which we sprinkle in for its earthy, aromatic warmth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste—start with about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Optional additions: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick, and 1 teaspoon sugar to mellow any acidity from the tomatoes.
This preparation ensures every ingredient is at hand, allowing us to transition smoothly into cooking while maximizing the sauce’s sensory appeal with layers of texture and scent.
Cook the Sauce
With ingredients prepped, we now simmer our sauce to perfection, building rich flavors step by step. Heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant, golden hue.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until it turns translucent and soft, filling the kitchen with its sweet aroma. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, watching as it becomes fragrant and golden to avoid browning and bitterness.
Pour in the San Marzano crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, then stir vigorously to combine into a smooth, vibrant red mixture. Incorporate the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, blending everything for even distribution. If using sugar, add it now to balance the acidity, creating a harmonious, velvety base.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop a deep, savory essence with the fresh basil stirred in during the last 5 minutes for a burst of green, aromatic freshness. Once done, the sauce should coat the back of a spoon, signaling it’s ready with its glossy finish and irresistible Italian-American allure.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the beauties of our homemade Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce is its flexibility for make-ahead preparation, allowing us to infuse flavors even more deeply over time while saving precious kitchen time. We often prepare a batch in advance so it’s ready to elevate pasta nights or pizza evenings with minimal effort.
Making Ahead
To maximize the sauce’s robust flavors, we suggest preparing it up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions from our earlier section, then let the sauce cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This cooling process helps preserve its vibrant, aromatic essence—think the fresh burst of basil and the hearty tang of tomatoes—ensuring every spoonful remains as delightful as the day you made it.
Storage Options
Proper storage is key to maintaining the sauce’s fresh taste and texture. We recommend these methods to keep your Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce at its best:
- Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container or glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator where it will keep for up to 5 days. This method locks in the sauce’s rich, herbaceous aroma, making it easy to grab for quick meals.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat for space efficiency and freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing captures the sauce’s smooth, flavorful profile, so you can enjoy that authentic Italian-American comfort whenever you need it.
Below is a quick reference table for storage durations and tips, helping us track the sauce’s longevity accurately:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Use airtight containers to prevent odor absorption and maintain freshness. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even defrosting and optimal texture. |
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to use your make-ahead Maggiano’s Marinara Sauce, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. This revives the sauce’s warm, inviting aroma and ensures it coats your pasta perfectly without separating. If reheating from frozen, first thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours, then warm as above for the best results. Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt or fresh basil before serving to keep that homemade magic alive.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our take on Maggiano’s marinara sauce
It brings authentic Italian-American flavors right to our kitchens
With this recipe we’ll elevate everyday meals and create lasting memories
Let’s keep experimenting and savor the joy of homemade cooking
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maggiano’s marinara sauce?
Maggiano’s marinara sauce is a classic Italian-American staple known for its rich, comforting flavors. It’s versatile for dishes like pasta and pizza, blending fresh herbs, tomatoes, and spices to create an authentic, hearty sauce that evokes homemade comfort.
What are the key ingredients for this homemade marinara sauce?
The main ingredients include extra-virgin olive oil, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, San Marzano crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or sugar. These fresh, vibrant elements deliver authentic Italian-American taste in a simple recipe.
What tools do I need to make Maggiano’s marinara sauce at home?
You’ll need a large saucepan or Dutch oven for simmering, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring, a cutting board and chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a can opener for tomatoes, and a fine-mesh strainer for a smoother texture. These basics ensure easy preparation.
How do I make homemade Maggiano’s marinara sauce step by step?
Start by chopping onion and mincing garlic. Sauté them in olive oil until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings. Simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop flavors, and stir in fresh basil at the end. This creates a rich, aromatic sauce ready for your favorite dishes in under an hour.
Can I prepare Maggiano’s marinara sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 3 days in advance. Preparing ahead allows flavors to deepen, saving time for meals. Simply cook as directed, cool, and store properly to maintain freshness and taste.
How should I store homemade marinara sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. This keeps the sauce fresh and flavorful, making it easy to enjoy later.
How do I reheat the marinara sauce?
Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to preserve texture and aroma. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving for the best results with pasta or other dishes.