Marinara Sauce Or Spaghetti Sauce
A flavorful, versatile marinara sauce with rich tomato and herb flavors, perfect for pasta lovers and suitable for quick weeknight dinners or hearty Italian meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Puree the whole tomatoes with juice in a blender.
- Add onion, tomato sauce, tomato paste, garlic, water, basil, sugar, bay leaves, oregano, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce, uncovered, for 1 hour.
- Discard the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve hot over pasta. For a meat sauce, add 1 pound of browned hamburger.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you're short on fresh basil, dried basil can be used as a substitute. Adjust the sugar based on the acidity of the tomatoes; if they're very sweet, reduce or omit the sugar. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the mix. This sauce also serves as a base for recipes like Old-Fashion Italian Spaghetti Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinara sauce hot over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad. For a heartier dish, top with mozzarella for a delicious Mozzarella Marinara. This sauce also works well as a base for pizza or as a dipping sauce for appetizers like Ono Pizza Fritta.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinara Sauce Or Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 190 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (69% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just reheat before serving, and it will taste just as fresh!
Is it possible to make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure you serve it over a vegan pasta if you're following a vegan diet. It's a great option for those looking for delicious vegan recipes.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, you'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then dice and cook them down to create a sauce. This method may take longer, but it offers a fresh taste that many love.
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).