Basic Marinara Sauce Makes enough sauce for one pound of pasta. 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, minced 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes 1 teaspoon dried basil (about 10 leaves fresh) Salt and pepper Lightly sauté garlic in olive oil. Remove from heat. Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper and return to heat. Simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Variations substitute 1 small chopped onion for garlic substitute oregano for basil or use both add 1/4 cup dry white wine add 1/4 teaspoon crushed fennel seed