Marinara Sauce For Pasta
A flavorful and versatile marinara sauce with garlic, parsley, and tomatoes, perfect for pasta or rice dishes, suitable for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add parsley and onion, and cook until fragrant and translucent.
- Slowly add the canned whole tomatoes.
- Stir to break up the tomatoes and combine ingredients.
- Add bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve the sauce with spaghetti, other pasta dishes, or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while simmering. If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried can be used in a pinch, but reduce the amount to one tablespoon. This marinara sauce can also be enhanced with a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, making it a perfect match for the classic Spaghetti With Meat Sauce(6 Servings). You can also serve it over roasted vegetables or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. For a complete meal, consider a side of Millie'S Salad or Sicilian Zucchini.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will last for about 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce For Pasta contains roughly 721 calories, with 67g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (330% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (247% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1495mg per serving (65% 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 instead of canned. Approximately 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes will suffice. Blanch them first to remove the skins, then chop and use them in the recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust as needed.
Is this marinara sauce vegan-friendly?
Yes, this marinara sauce is entirely vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes and can be enjoyed with a variety of pasta dishes or as a base for other sauces.
How can I thicken my marinara sauce?
To thicken your marinara sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a longer time, which will help reduce excess liquid. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to achieve the desired thickness.
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).