Ann'S Marinara Sauce
A rich, flavorful marinara sauce with fresh herbs and tomatoes, perfect for pastas, pizzas, or as a versatile base for Italian dishes, suitable for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large (28 oz.) cans crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 small (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 large onion, minced ⓘ
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 4-quart saucepan, combine minced onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley; sauté in olive oil for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Do not brown the mixture.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, dried basil leaves, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Bring to a slow boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. If you don't have fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less vibrant. To enhance the sauce, try incorporating some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. This marinara sauce can also be a great base for other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a classic dish. It also pairs beautifully with Italian Seasoned Potatoes for a heartier meal. For a lighter option, drizzle it over grilled vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil or grated cheese before serving!
Storage & Reheating
Allow the marinara sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ann'S Marinara Sauce contains roughly 357 calories, with 11g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 630mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes to make this sauce. You'll need about 6-8 medium tomatoes, peeled and crushed. Keep in mind that fresh tomatoes may require longer cooking time to break down and achieve the desired sauce consistency.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add heat to your marinara sauce, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the sautéing stage. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your heat preference for a perfect balance.
What can I serve with marinara sauce?
Marinara sauce is incredibly versatile. Aside from pasta, it can be served with breaded eggplant or zucchini for a delicious parmigiana. It also works well as a base for pizza or as a dipping sauce for appetizers like mozzarella sticks or calzones.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).