• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Everyday Homemade

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • All Sourdough Recipes
  • Sourdough Bread
  • Sourdough Discard
  • Sourdough eBooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • All Sourdough Recipes
    • Sourdough Bread
    • Sourdough Discard
    • Sourdough eBooks
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sauces & Broths

    Published: Aug 25, 2023 by Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    San Marzano Tomato Sauce (for Pasta, Pizza, and More!)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This San Marzano Tomato Sauce is made with simple, high-quality ingredients for a rich, authentic-tasting sauce that pairs well with all of your favorite Italian dishes. Quick and beginner-friendly, this easy homemade tomato sauce recipe will have you saying goodbye to the store-bought version forever.

    San Marzano tomato sauce garnished with fresh basil leaves. There is a wooden spoon sticking out of the pot of sauce to the left.

    Making a simple homemade tomato sauce is a skill every home cook should master. Not only does homemade tomato sauce taste better than jarred sauce, but it also acts as the foundation for a variety of other recipes.

    Whether you're cooking an easy weeknight pasta dish or perfecting Nonni’s scratch-made lasagna, having a go-to tomato sauce recipe up your sleeve is a must.

    And this San Marzano tomato sauce recipe is mine.

    I use this sauce to make everything from sourdough pizzas and calzones to hearty meatballs and lasagna.

    Today, I’m walking you through how to make the best San Marzano tomato sauce, including which ingredients to use, tips that will guarantee it turns out right the first time, and some of my favorite ways to use this basic Italian tomato sauce recipe.

    Disclaimer: Some links throughout this post are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can learn more by visiting my Affiliate Disclosure Page.

    Table of Contents -
    What are San Marzano Tomatoes?
    Why You'll Love This Recipe
    Ingredient Notes
    Substitutions and Variations
    Equipment Notes
    How to Make San Marzano Tomato Sauce
    San Marzano Tomato Sauce (Video)
    Tips for Success
    What to Serve with San Marzano Tomato Sauce
    Storage and Reheating
    Frequently Asked Questions
    Let's Connect!
    More Pasta Sauce Recipes
    📖 Recipe
    San Marzano Tomato Sauce

    What are San Marzano Tomatoes?

    San Marzano tomatoes are unique plum tomatoes with thick flesh, fewer seeds, and a sweet flavor, making them perfect for a rich Italian sauce. 

    Authentic San Marzano tomatoes come only from the San Marzano region in Italy. They’re grown in Mount Vesuvius' volcanic soils in Southern Italy and bear the Denominazione d'Origine Protetta (D.O.P.) seal. 

    Look for "Pomodoro San Marzano dell’Agro Sarnese Nocerino D.O.P." on labels for genuine certification.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Authentic Flavor- San Marzano tomatoes give this simple marinara sauce an authentic Italian taste. The flavor is incomparable to jarred tomato sauce.
    • Simple Ingredients- This easy San Marzano tomato sauce only requires 7 simple ingredients to make.
    • Quick & Easy- In just 45 minutes, you can have delicious homemade tomato sauce on the table for your family to devour. 
    • Versatile- This versatile marinara sauce recipe can be used for pasta, meatballs, pizza, dipping, and more!
    • Budget-Friendly- Save money by skipping expensive store-bought tomato sauces and make a large batch of homemade sauce to store in the freezer.
    • Healthy- Many store-bought tomato sauces are made with added sugars, salt, and preservatives. By making tomato sauce from scratch, you can better control the ingredients you eat.

    Ingredient Notes

    Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

    • San Marzano Tomatoes- San Marzano whole tomatoes are perfect for making tomato sauce because they’re less acidic and sweeter. Look for canned San Marzano tomatoes with the D.O.P. label for authenticity.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best, most authentic-tasting Italian red sauce.
    • Onion- Yellow onion is milder in flavor compared to white or red onions, complementing the sauce without overpowering it.
    • Garlic- Crushing the garlic cloves before mincing them helps release their flavor.
    • Italian Seasoning- Italian seasoning is typically a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. Sautéing the Italian seasoning in olive oil enhances its flavor.
    • Red Pepper Flakes- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat to the sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your family's spice tolerance.
    • Kosher Salt- Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Table salt often contains added sugar and anti-caking agents.

    🌱 Sustainability Tip: If you find yourself with leftover San Marzano sauce, don't let it go to waste! Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the sauce for later use.

    The ingredients to make San Marzano tomato sauce. Each ingredient is labeled with text. They include San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, onion, and Italian seasoning.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Here are a few ways you can try customizing this simple San Marzano tomato sauce recipe to fit your diet and taste preferences.

    Substitutions

    • San Marzano Tomatoes- Substitute San Marzano tomatoes for canned whole plum tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Alternatively, use fresh San Marzano tomatoes if preferred.
    • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- Use another neutral-flavored oil or unsalted butter in place of olive oil.
    • Onion- Swap yellow onion for sweet onion, white onion, red onion, or shallots.
    • Garlic- Substitute 4 cloves of garlic for one teaspoon of garlic powder. Garlic-infused olive oil is also a good substitute for fresh garlic.
    • Italian Seasoning- Replace Italian seasoning with dried oregano or use a blend of dried basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Alternatively, swap the dried herbs for fresh herbs if preferred.
    • Red Pepper Flakes- Cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or freshly ground black pepper can be used in place of red pepper flakes.
    • Kosher Salt- If using table salt, use half the amount called for in the recipe and adjust to taste from there.
    A small white plate of cavatappi pasta coated with San Marzano tomato sauce. The pasta dish is garnished with a few leaves of fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.

    Variations

    • Allergen-Friendly- This San Marzano sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and vegan.
    • Herbed- Simmer herbs like fresh basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme in the sauce while it cooks for a fragrant herb-infused tomato sauce.
    • Wine- Add depth of flavor and complexity to this San Marzano tomato sauce with a splash of red wine or white wine to deglaze the pot.
    • Meat- If you're looking to add some protein to your meal, consider including ground beef, pork, or turkey to create a flavorful meat sauce.
    • Vegetables- Add some fresh veggies to your marinara sauce for a boost of nutrition. Try carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, eggplant, spinach, or kale.
    • Tomato Paste- Add a tablespoon or two of tomato paste when sautéing the aromatics to give this sauce a richer tomato flavor.
    • Creamy- Stir in a splash of heavy cream to finish the sauce and give it a rich and creamy flavor.
    • Spicy- Increase the red pepper flakes to make spicy marinara sauce.

    Equipment Notes

    Here are some notes on any special equipment I used to make this recipe.

    • Stainless Steel or Dutch Oven Pot- Use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution, which prevents the sauce from scorching.
    • Immersion Blender- An immersion blender simplifies the pureeing process because it can be used directly in the pot.

    How to Make San Marzano Tomato Sauce

    Here is how to make tomato sauce with San Marzano tomatoes.

    Step 1: Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stainless steel pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and kosher salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and just starting to turn golden.

    Step 2: Add seasonings. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

    Lightly browned onions sautéing in olive oil in a stainless steel pot.
    Onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes sautéing in olive oil in a stainless steel pot.

    Step 3: Add tomatoes. Add the canned San Marzano tomatoes to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to start breaking up the tomatoes to release their juices.

    Canned San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes added to a stainless steel skillet with cooked aromatics.

    Step 4: Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the tomatoes simmer for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender.

    Canned San Marzano whole tomatoes in a stainless steel pot after being broken up with a wooden spoon.
    San Marzano tomato sauce simmering in a stainless steel pot.

    Step 5: Puree the sauce. Once the tomatoes are tender, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and puree it in batches. Alternatively, use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes for a chunkier texture.

    Step 6: Thicken the sauce (optional). If you prefer a thicker tomato sauce, heat it back up to a gentle simmer after pureeing. Cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that longer simmering will result in a thicker sauce.

    Step 7: Serve. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a marinara dip. Enjoy!

    Pureed San Marzano tomato sauce in a stainless steel pot.
    A spoon holding up some San Marzano tomato sauce above the pot to show its consistency.

    San Marzano Tomato Sauce (Video)

    Tips for Success

    Make this San Marzano pasta sauce successfully the first time using these easy kitchen tips.

    • Choose high-quality ingredients. Since this tomato sauce made with San Marzano tomatoes relies on just a few simple ingredients, prioritize using the highest quality options available for the best flavor.
    • Simmer gently. Boiling or simmering the sauce too vigorously can cause it to scorch on the bottom. Simmer the sauce gently to develop a richer flavor.
    • Blend to your preferred texture. Adjust the texture by pureeing until smooth with a blender or using a wooden spoon for a chunkier sauce.
    • Adjust the consistency. For recipes like San Marzano pizza sauce or chicken parmesan, opt for a slightly thicker sauce. A thinner sauce works well for dishes like meatballs or spaghetti.
    • Season to taste. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. 
    • Have fun and get creative. Enjoy the process of making homemade tomato sauce. Don't worry if it doesn’t turn out perfect the first time. And feel free to make the recipe your own!

    What to Serve with San Marzano Tomato Sauce

    This San Marzano tomato sauce can be used in a variety of classic Italian dishes. It pairs well with sourdough pasta, meatballs, and lasagna.

    It can also be used as sauce for homemade pizza. Try it with my sourdough discard pizza dough or whole wheat sourdough pizza dough recipe, or use it to make sourdough focaccia pizza.

    Finally, serve this marinara sauce as a zesty dipping sauce for bread and other appetizers. Some of my favorite foods to dip in this marinara sauce include sourdough pizza bread, sourdough focaccia, sourdough discard garlic knots, sourdough breadsticks, garlic bread, sourdough bread, sourdough pepperoni calzone, and cheesy broccoli bites.

    A white bowl filled with dutch oven meatballs in tomato sauce. The meatballs are topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese and basil.
    Dutch Oven Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    Storage and Reheating

    How to Store

    • Refrigerator- Store leftover San Marzano tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
    • Freezer- To freeze, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    🥫 Storage Tip: Make a large batch and freeze half for later. Divide the sauce into portion-sized containers and use it to make quick and easy dinners throughout the week.

    Canning Homemade San Marzano Tomato Sauce

    Interested in canning your homemade San Marzano tomato sauce? 

    You've got two options: pressure canning or water bath canning. 

    Since San Marzano tomatoes are lower in acidity, pressure canning is recommended for safety. Follow your pressure canner’s instructions for tomato sauce canning. 

    No pressure canner? No problem. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per pint to increase the acidity, then boil the jars in a water bath for 35 minutes. 

    ​​Following proper canning techniques is essential to ensure the safety and longevity of your preserved sauce. Be sure to consult reliable canning resources, such as the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning.

    This recipe yields about 3 pint-sized jars.

    How to Reheat

    If your sauce is frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

    • Stovetop- Transfer leftover tomato sauce to a saucepan set over medium-low heat. Heat the sauce, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
    • Microwave- Place leftover sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plate to prevent splattering. Heat the sauce on half power (50%) for one minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
    • Oven- Preheat oven to 325°F. Transfer the sauce to a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Heat for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce is fully warmed through.

    Make Ahead

    Preparing this San Marzano tomato sauce in advance is a great time saver and something I do often. By making a batch in advance, you can save time on busy days and have a flavorful base ready for various dishes.

    Simply prepare the sauce according to the recipe and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    A wooden spoonful of San Marzano tomato sauce being held above a pot. The pot is filled with tomato sauce.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why are San Marzano tomatoes better for sauce?

    San Marzano tomatoes are better for sauce because of their thick flesh, fewer seeds, and lower acidity. These characteristics yield a sweet, rich sauce with a lower water content, making them an ideal choice for flavorful tomato sauce.

    What is the difference between San Marzano tomatoes and Roma tomatoes?

    San Marzano tomatoes and Roma tomatoes both belong to the plum tomato category, but San Marzano tomatoes are generally larger, have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and are sweeter with lower acidity.

    Can I use fresh San Marzano tomatoes instead of canned?

    Yes, you can use fresh tomato sauce with San Marzano tomatoes, but they need to be blanched and peeled first. To do this, make a small "X" on the bottom, boil them for 30 seconds, cool in ice water, peel, and use in the recipe. Note that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from using canned San Marzano tomatoes.

    Do I need to add sugar to my tomato sauce?

    No, the San Marzano tomatoes' natural sweetness usually eliminates the need for added sugar in the sauce. However, if you find the sauce too acidic, you can balance it by adding a small amount of sugar or a drizzle of honey to taste. Adjust gradually and taste as you go.

    What can I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

    If it's too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it. If it's too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid content.

    Let's Connect!

    Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or via email at [email protected].

    More Pasta Sauce Recipes

    • A plate of linguine bolognese garnished with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese.
      Linguine Bolognese
    • A plate of fettuccine pasta coated with roasted garlic alfredo sauce.
      Roasted Garlic Alfredo Sauce
    • Pesto without pine nuts in a small glass bowl.
      Pesto Without Pine Nuts (Walnut Pesto)
    • A small white plate of creamy pumpkin pasta sauce on cavatappi pasta. The pasta is garnished with grated parmesan cheese, black pepper, and one whole sage leaf.
      Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

    📖 Recipe

    A Dutch oven filled with San Marzano tomato sauce. To the left, there is a wooden spoon sticking out of the sauce. There are a few basil leaves placed on top of the sauce as garnish.
    Print Pin SaveSaved!

    San Marzano Tomato Sauce

    This San Marzano Tomato Sauce is made with simple, high-quality ingredients for a rich, authentic-tasting sauce that pairs well with all of your favorite Italian dishes. Quick and beginner-friendly, this easy homemade tomato sauce recipe will have you saying goodbye to the store-bought version forever.
    Course Sauces
    Cuisine Italian
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 cups
    Calories 148kcal
    Author Ashley Petrie, RDN, LDN

    Equipment

    • Stainless steel pot or enameled Dutch oven
    • Immersion blender or blender optional

    Ingredients

    • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 large yellow onion diced
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • ¼-½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes to taste
    • 2 28-ounce cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stainless steel pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and kosher salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and just starting to turn golden.
      4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red chili pepper flakes. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
      4 cloves garlic, ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning, ¼-½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
    • Add the canned San Marzano tomatoes to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to start breaking up the tomatoes to release their juices.
      2 28-ounce cans San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
    • Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let the tomatoes simmer for 20-30 minutes or until they are tender.
    • Once the tomatoes are tender, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender and puree it in batches. Alternatively, use the back of a wooden spoon to crush the tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
    • If you prefer a thicker tomato sauce, heat it back up to a gentle simmer after pureeing. Cook uncovered for an additional 20 minutes or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Keep in mind that longer simmering will result in a thicker sauce.
    • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve with pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a marinara dip. Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Adjust the consistency. For recipes like pizza or chicken parmesan, opt for a slightly thicker sauce. A thinner sauce works well for dishes like meatballs or spaghetti.
    • Storage: Store leftover tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5g | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 49mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 3.4mg
    Did you try this recipe?Let me know! Comment below, or take a picture and tag me on Instagram @everydayhomemadebyashley.

    More Sauce Recipes

    • A bowl of spicy garlic aioli on a board with roast beef sandwiches.
      Spicy Garlic Aioli Without Mayo (Sriracha Aioli)
    • A white bowl filled with turkey bone broth and garnished with fresh parsley. There is a silver spoon sticking out of the bowl to the left.
      Turkey Bone Broth (Stovetop Recipe)
    • A plate of fries with a small jar of homemade ketchup. There's a hand dipping a fry into the ketchup.
      The Best Homemade Ketchup
    • A ladle pouring chicken stock gravy into a gravy boat.
      Homemade Chicken Gravy

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    No Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Ashley sitting outside smiling at the camera.

    Hi, I'm Ashley!

    Welcome to Everyday Homemade, where I share fun and easy sourdough recipes, creative ways to use discard, and homemade meals that pair perfectly with fresh-baked sourdough bread.

    More about me

    Subscribe for new sourdough recipes every Saturday!

    Trending Recipes

    • Sourdough discard pizza dough stretched out on a pizza peel.
      Sourdough Discard Pizza Dough (No Yeast)
    • Sourdough discard brownies in an aluminum baking pan.
      Sourdough Discard Brownies
    • A stack of five sourdough granola bars with more bars out of focus in the background.
      Sourdough Granola Bars (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip)
    • A plate of sourdough soft pretzels with honey mustard dipping sauce.
      Sourdough Soft Pretzels (or Pretzel Bites)

    Sourdough Recipes

    • Several sourdough chocolate chip cookies on a piece of wrinkled parchment paper on a wooden cutting board.
      Sourdough Chocolate Chip Cookies (No Chill)
    • A metal spatula lifting sourdough discard cheese crackers off of a parchment-lined baking sheet.
      Sourdough Discard Cheese Crackers
    • Three nests of homemade sourdough pasta noodles on a flour-dusted baking sheet.
      How to Make Sourdough Pasta
    • A pile of sourdough discard tortillas on a white cloth.
      Sourdough Discard Tortillas (5 Ingredients!)
    ALL RECIPES

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Affiliate Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Everyday Homemade

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email
    • Print