Marinara Sauce

N/A Sauce

Marinara Sauce Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"The versatile backbone of Italian-American cuisine, offering a fresh, bright tomato flavor."

Definition

A quick, simple tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and onions, often served with pasta or seafood.

Common Usage Pizza, Pasta, Dipping
Nutritional Highlight Rich in Lycopene (Antioxidant)
Storage Tip Refrigerate up to 7 days after opening.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Marinara Sauce are:

Savory acidic herbaceous sweet (from tomatoes)

Chef’s Secret

For an extra layer of flavor, caramelize a small amount of onion before adding garlic and tomatoes. A pinch of sugar can balance acidity.

Best Substitutes

Canned Crushed Tomatoes + Herbs

with seasoning
Ratio 1:1

Arrabiata Sauce

for spicy
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for minimal added sugars and high-quality crushed tomatoes. Check for organic options.

Recipes Using Marinara Sauce

Number Of Servings Dietary Vegetables Preparation

10 Minute Tuscan Tomato Soup With Parmesan Toasts

Ready in just 10 minutes, this vibrant Tuscan Tomato Soup bursts with fresh flavor! Perfectly paired with crispy Parmesan toasts, it's a quick and elegant weeknight meal or a delightful appetizer. This Woman's Day recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Dinner Party Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Cheese

2Blue's Pepperoni Ravioli

Impress your guests with these vibrant 2 Blue S Pepperoni Ravioli! This delicious appetizer is ready in just 30 minutes and features a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for a party or a romantic dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!

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60 Minutes Or Less Comfort Food Vegetables 60 Minutes Or Less

Acadia's Eggplant Parmesan

Say goodbye to heavy breading! This vibrant Acadia's Eggplant Parmesan recipe delivers the classic flavors you crave in a lighter, healthier way. Perfectly layered slices of eggplant are sauteed to perfection, then nestled in a square baking dish with rich marinara and melted mozzarella. This elegant side dish (or light main course!) is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Get ready for a taste of summer, even on a chilly night!

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Beef Cheese Equipment Course

Addictive Cheeseburger Pizza

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Cheeseburger Pizza is ridiculously addictive – the ultimate comfort food, loaded with juicy burger, savory sausage, and melty cheese. Prepare for rave reviews!

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White Rice Rice Side Dishes Pasta Rice And Grains

Arancini Italian Rice Balls

Crispy, golden-brown Arancini, bursting with cheesy flavor! These classic Italian rice balls are incredibly satisfying, packed with delicious risotto, and perfectly complemented by a rich marinara sauce for dipping. A simple yet elegant appetizer or side dish that will impress your family and friends.

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Main Dish Vegetables Preparation Course

Artichoke Chicken Calzones

These irresistible Artichoke Chicken Calzones are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a Cooking Light recipe, these savory calzones are filled with tender chicken, artichoke hearts, spinach, and creamy provolone cheese, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that'll have you going back for seconds!

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Dietary Pasta Manicotti Main Dish

Artichoke Stuffed Manicotti Weight Watchers

This lightened-up recipe from a 2004 Weight Watchers magazine is a delicious and surprisingly low-point way to enjoy classic manicotti! Each serving (2 manicotti) clocks in at only 4 points (using fat-free ricotta). Creamy artichoke hearts mingle with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, and scallions in perfectly baked pasta shells. A simple marinara sauce and bubbly mozzarella cheese complete this satisfying and guilt-free meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both healthy and incredibly tasty!

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Main Dish Main Ingredient Preparation Main Dish

Baked Panko Chicken Parmesan

Crispy, juicy baked chicken parmesan – healthier than fried and bursting with flavor! This recipe skips the deep fryer for a lighter, healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Enjoy it over pasta, on a sub, or as a delicious appetizer. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Main Ingredient European Preparation Pasta

Baked Pasta With Sausage And Tomato Pesto

This hearty Baked Pasta with Sausage and Tomato Pesto is a flavor explosion! Smoked Gouda (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a creamy, smoky depth, while spicy Italian sausage provides a delicious kick. This comforting casserole, adapted from "The Best American Recipes 2003-2004," is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!

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Preparation Time To Make Main Ingredient Pasta

Baked Penne With Broccoli And Three Cheeses

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor! This Baked Penne with Broccoli and Three Cheeses recipe (inspired by Bon Appetit, January 2003) is a quick weeknight meal the whole family will love. Enjoy perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender broccoli florets, and a delightful blend of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses, all baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a comforting and satisfying dish that's easy to make!

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Pasta Vegetarian Savory Main Dish

Baked Penne With Roasted Vegetables Courtesy Giada De La

A crowd-pleasing vegetarian bake inspired by Giada De Laurentiis! This recipe, adapted from her Everyday Italian show, features perfectly roasted vegetables tossed with al dente penne, rich marinara, and melted cheeses. A family favorite, even picky eaters will love this hearty and flavorful dish. (Note: This version includes garlic, unlike Giada's original garlic-free recipe for her mother.)

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Time To Make Equipment Meat Pork

Baked Sausage Penne

Craving a comforting yet unique baked pasta dish? This Baked Sausage Penne recipe elevates the classic with homemade marinara and pesto (jarred versions work perfectly too!). Swap in chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. Designed for two with delicious leftovers, this weeknight-friendly recipe comes together quickly. Serve alongside a fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, and your favorite red wine for a truly satisfying meal.

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Healthy Healthy 2 Main Ingredient Preparation

Barley Mushroom Stuffed Green Bell Peppers

Savory vegetarian stuffed peppers! These vibrant green bell peppers are brimming with a hearty barley and mushroom filling, seasoned to perfection with herbs and cheese. A simple yet elegant recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Main Dish European Course One Dish Meal

Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne

Indulge in this incredibly easy and flavorful Basil Lovers Tomato Cream Penne! Ready in just 20 minutes, this creamy pasta dish bursts with fresh basil and savory pancetta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Preparation Main Dish 4 Hours Or Less Dietary

Beautiful Vegetable Lasagna

This stunning vegetable lasagna is a feast for the eyes and the palate! Layers of vibrant zucchini, carrots, and spinach create a colorful and delicious dish, perfect for a luncheon or a special weeknight dinner. Impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, yet elegant lasagna recipe. Get ready for rave reviews!

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