Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones. That is what I do in the winter when good tomatoes are not available. My favorites are San Marzano D.O.P. You will need to drain all liquids first. Remove tomatoes from the can, drain the liquid, chop them, or squash them lightly with your hand. Drain again; you don't want too much liquid. Use them in the recipe as you would with fresh tomatoes.