Connie'S Italian Marinara Sauce
A rich, flavorful Italian marinara sauce with garlic, herbs, and tomato, perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping, suited for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a heavy sauce pot.
- Add instant minced onions, powdered garlic, and dried chopped parsley; sauté for several minutes until garlic is medium to deep brown, stirring occasionally.
- Quickly add the tomato sauce and tomato puree cans and stir to combine.
- Add sugar, salt, pepper, and crumbled basil to the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh garlic and onions instead of instant minced ones. You can also substitute fresh herbs for dried ones; if using fresh basil, add it at the end of cooking. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer longer or add a small can of tomato paste.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with Spugety And Meatballs or can be used as a base for Homemade Mushroom Spaghetti Sauce. Serve over pasta, drizzle on pizza, or use as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It also complements dishes like Pesto Pasta Chicken wonderfully, enhancing the meal with a rich, tangy flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Connie'S Italian Marinara Sauce contains roughly 721 calories, with 71g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (386% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (267% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian or vegan?
This recipe is already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan as well. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add, like pasta, are also vegan. The sauce is flavorful enough to stand alone or be paired with your choice of vegetables.
What can I serve with this marinara sauce?
This marinara sauce is versatile and can be served with various dishes. It pairs well with pasta, especially spaghetti, and can be used as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or drizzled over pizza. Consider serving it with a side salad for a complete meal.
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).