Salsa Marinara(Marinara Sauce)
A vibrant, versatile marinara sauce with ripe tomato flavor, garlic, herbs, perfect for pasta, dipping, or topping dishes, adding fresh Italian flair to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3 to 4-quart saucepan, set over medium heat, warm the olive oil for one minute.
- Add the chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add the plum tomatoes and crush them with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add the dried oregano and basil; stir well to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while simmering. If fresh herbs are available, substitute them for dried; use about three times more fresh herbs. For a smoother sauce, blend the cooked mixture. This marinara sauce is also a great base for dishes like Ziti Pasta With Spicy Marinara Primavera Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic dish, or use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Spaghetti or can be incorporated into Italian recipes like lasagna. For a lighter option, serve it alongside grilled vegetables or drizzle it over Italian Squash Bites.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salsa Marinara(Marinara Sauce) contains roughly 332 calories, with 15g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (117% of the Daily Value), and iron (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 515mg per serving (22% 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
What can I add to make this sauce more hearty?
To create a heartier marinara, consider adding cooked ground meat, such as beef, turkey, or sausage, during the cooking process. You can also include vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. This makes for a more substantial sauce that works well with various pasta dishes.
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).