Sutton Gourmet Marinara Sauce

Cook: 20 min Cuisine: Italian

A rich, flavorful marinara sauce featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of sweetness, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a homemade Italian classic.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (1 qt.) can diced and peeled tomatoes
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 bunch chopped basil
  • 2 Tbsp. crushed garlic
  • 1 tsp. sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a hot pan, sauté the garlic, bay leaf, and tomatoes for 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Add sugar, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount to 1 teaspoon, as it is more concentrated. To enhance the depth of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine while cooking. This sauce also works well with a variety of Italian recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This marinara sauce pairs beautifully with Fettuccine With Fresh Tomato And Basil Sauce for a delightful Italian meal. Serve it over pasta, as a dipping sauce for Pepper And Herb Mini Focaccia, or as a base for dishes like Pasta Faziola. Garnish with additional fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, place the cooled sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers, where it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sutton Gourmet Marinara Sauce contains roughly 351 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 647mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

351 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.3g 17% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 72.8g 26% DV
Fiber 13.4g 48% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 646.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 730.7mg 16% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 95.4mcg 11% DV
Vitamin C 94.9mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 171mg 13% DV
Iron 6.2mg 35% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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, but you'll need to blanch and peel them first. About 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes should yield the equivalent of a 1 qt. can. The cooking time may also vary, so adjust accordingly.

How can I make this sauce spicier?

To add heat, include crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing process. You can also stir in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to taste, depending on your heat preference.

Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this marinara sauce are plant-based, making it a perfect choice for vegan recipes. Just be sure to check any additional ingredients you may pair it with to ensure they meet vegan standards.

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).

Italian recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →