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

Pasta Rice And Grains To Go Cuisine American

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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Occasion Romantic 60 Minutes Or Less Brunch

Baked Chicken Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms

A hearty and flavorful recipe featuring juicy chicken and savory portabella mushrooms. These elegant stuffed mushrooms make a perfect appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe, bursting with Italian herbs and melted mozzarella cheese!

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Pasta Rice And Grains Easy Pasta Main Ingredient

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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Eggs Dairy Main Ingredient Italian Cheese

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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Occasion Occasion Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less

Baked Ziti Oamc

This hearty Baked Ziti is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food, perfect for a crowd! Easily made ahead and freezer-friendly for those busy weeknights. Enjoy this cheesy, meaty, and flavorful pasta bake whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal. #bakedziti #oamc #freezermeal #comfortfood #pasta #cheesepull #familydinner #easyrecipe

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Oven Casseroles Time To Make Meat

Baked Rigatoni With Sausage

A hearty and flavorful baked pasta dish! This recipe combines tender rigatoni pasta, savory Italian sausage, crisp-tender broccoli, and rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection in a cheesy casserole. A quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love. Get ready for a taste of comfort food heaven!

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5 Ingredients Or Less 30 Minutes Or Less Pasta Rice And Grains Spaghetti

Baked Chicken Spaghetti Casserole

This family-favorite Baked Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner! Made with tender cooked chicken, your favorite pasta, and bubbly mozzarella cheese, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Add mushrooms, different cheeses, or your favorite veggies – the possibilities are endless! Perfect for a busy weeknight, this comforting casserole is sure to become a new family favorite.

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Dinner Party Main Dish Number Of Servings Oamc Freezer Make Ahead

Authentic Northern Italian Meatballs

Discover the secret to unbelievably delicious and versatile Northern Italian meatballs! This recipe uses a lighter approach to the classic, perfect for meal prepping and freezing. Enjoy these flavorful meatballs in countless ways – from hearty pasta sauces to satisfying salads. See the photo gallery for inspiration! Easily adaptable to your preferences, you can swap in whole eggs for egg whites, regular chicken stock for fat-free, and regular breadcrumbs for panko.

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Side Dishes Comfort Food Diabetic Vegetables

Baked Cheese Crepes Giada De Laurentiis

Indulge in Giada De Laurentiis' irresistible Baked Cheese Crepes! Featured on a recent episode of Everyday Italian, this recipe is surprisingly easy and a delightful alternative for low-carb guests at your next Italian dinner party or a sophisticated brunch. Flaky crepes filled with creamy cheese, baked to perfection – pure culinary bliss!

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Squash Low Carb Squash Preparation

Baked Eggplant Ww

This delicious Baked Eggplant recipe is a Weight Watchers winner! Perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight meal, it's surprisingly easy to make and incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a light dinner alongside a fresh salad, or repurpose leftovers for a quick and flavorful lunch. This recipe is a lifesaver when the family opts for pizza or hotdogs – a delicious alternative you'll actually crave! Easily portioned into 6 servings, bake once and freeze the rest for future enjoyment.

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Dietary Lunch Preparation High Calcium

Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy, golden baked mozzarella sticks! This easy recipe delivers irresistible cheesy goodness in just 25 minutes. Perfect as a party appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a fun family meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Lasagna

1 Pound Gluten Free Lasagna

Craving lasagna but need to keep it gluten-free? This recipe delivers a rich, satisfying, and surprisingly delicious gluten-free lasagna experience! Using DeBoles rice lasagna noodles (or your favorite brand!), this recipe boasts a flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender zucchini. It's the perfect comfort food, completely free of gluten, and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and unforgettable meal!

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Small Appliance Low In Something Zucchini Occasion

Beef Stuffed Zucchini

Ready in under 30 minutes! This recipe for Beef Stuffed Zucchini Boats combines microwave and stovetop cooking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner. Juicy beef filling nestled in tender zucchini halves – it's a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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60 Minutes Or Less Course Time To Make Main Dish

Baked Ziti

Experience pure comfort food bliss with this irresistible Baked Ziti recipe! Creamy cheese, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich marinara sauce combine in a 9x13 inch pan for a bubbly, cheesy masterpiece. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Get ready to be amazed!

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Vegetables European Penne Dietary

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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European Preparation American Occasion

Eggplant Parmesan Chips

Craving the rich flavor of eggplant parmesan but short on time? These addictive Eggplant Parmesan Chips deliver all the crispy, cheesy goodness in a fun, bite-sized snack! Quickly pan-fried to golden perfection, these salty and crunchy chips are irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, game-day snack, or a light meal. They're also delicious baked – try both methods and find your favorite! Adapted from Life's Ambrosia.

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Cuisine Preparation Mexican Cuisine

Baked Chiles Rellenos

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of these Baked Chiles Rellenos! This classic recipe, adapted from the Sunset Casserole Cookbook, features tender chiles stuffed with cheese, baked in a dreamy egg batter, and topped with melted cheddar. A vibrant marinara sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a fiesta of flavors in under an hour!

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Time To Make 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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