What Is Marinara sauce and How Can I Use It?
Marinara sauce rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 60 recipes to cook with it.
Key Points
- Simple, bright tomato sauce of tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs that cooks in about half an hour.
- Tosses with pasta, braises meatballs and braciole, layers under cheese, and serves as a warm dip.
- Unlike pizza sauce, it is cooked first and thinner; reduce it before topping a pizza.
- Do not overcook it; a long hard boil cooks away the fresh tomato flavor that defines it.
- Opened jars keep about five days refrigerated; marinara freezes well for three to four months.
What is marinara sauce?
Marinara is a simple, bright tomato sauce built on just a handful of things: tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and usually basil or oregano. It comes together fast and tastes of tomato more than anything else.
It is the everyday red sauce of Italian-American kitchens. The flavor is clean and a little sweet-tart, with the garlic and herbs in a supporting role rather than out front.
Speed is what separates it from a long-simmered ragù. Marinara cooks in roughly half an hour and keeps that fresh tomato lift, where meat sauces simmer for hours and turn deep and heavy.
How to Use Marinara
Tossing it with pasta is the classic move, and it clings well to spaghetti or penne without weighing the noodles down. It is the sauce in baked pasta like Lanza's Lumaconi and Cheesy Baked Whole Wheat Penne with Roasted Fresh Vegetables.
It is just as good as a simmering medium. Drop meatballs or rolled beef into it and let them braise, the idea behind Nona's Meatballs and Slow Cooker Braciole, which both cook right in the sauce.
It shows up under cheese, too. A ladleful is the base for Easy Chicken Mozzarella Marinara and the bake in Chicken-Free Parmigiana, where it bubbles up around the edges.
And it makes a warm, fast dip. Heat a bowl of it for mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, or anything else you want to scoop into.
Marinara vs Pizza Sauce
People use the words loosely, but the two are not the same.
Marinara is cooked first, then sauced onto finished pasta or used to braise. Pizza sauce is usually left uncooked, often just crushed tomatoes seasoned raw, because it will cook on the pizza under high heat. Cooking it twice would make it taste flat.
Pizza sauce is also thicker and more concentrated so it does not turn the crust soggy. You can spread marinara on a pizza in a pinch, but reduce it down first or you risk a wet center.
For a quick pie, marinara works fine on Mushroom Onion & Basil Pizza or Grilled Vegetable Pizza as long as it is thick.
Substitutes and Common Mistakes
If you have no marinara, a quick homemade version beats most jars. Simmer crushed tomatoes with sauteed garlic in olive oil and a pinch of salt for twenty minutes, then tear in fresh basil at the end.
Plain canned tomato sauce works in a bind, woken up with garlic and dried oregano and a drizzle of good oil. Vodka sauce or a basic pomodoro can also slot in where you want red sauce.
The most common mistake is overcooking it. Marinara's whole appeal is its fresh tomato flavor, so a long hard boil cooks that brightness away and leaves it dull.
Buying and Storing
Jarred marinara is a real pantry workhorse, and the better ones list mostly tomatoes and oil rather than added sugar and starch. Read the label and skip the ones padded out with sweetener.
An unopened jar keeps a year or more in the pantry. Once opened, refrigerate it and use within about five days.
Homemade or jarred, marinara freezes beautifully. Cool it, pack it in a freezer container or bag, and it holds its flavor for three to four months, ready for a fast pasta night.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving (125g)Quick facts
Where to find marinara sauce: Marinara sauce is usually found in the canned goods section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group: Marinara sauce is a member of the Soups, Sauces, and Gravies US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
- In Chinese
- 大蒜酱
- British (UK) term
- Marinara sauce
- en français
- sauce marinara
- en español
- salsa marinara
How much does marinara sauce weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 1 cup | 250 grams |
| 1 serving | 125 grams |
| ½ cup | 125 grams |
Related
Soups, Sauces, and Gravies
Recipes using marinara sauce
There are 60 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Eggs with Peppers & Tomato Cream
The flavor, texture and nutrients were all well balanced. Made these for breakfast today, it was very tasty, and certainly gave us enough good energies to start the day.
Pasta with Marinara Sauce & Veggies
Use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce, a few fresh vegetables and pasta to make this quick, easy and tasty one-pan meal that's ideal for a busy week-day supper.
Cheese & Chive Poutine Marinara
An Italian twist on classic, vegetarian poutine that uses parmesan cheese, chives, garlic and Marinara sauce. What is poutine? Crispy fries with cheese curds and gravy.
Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Made this Italian grilled cheese with 15-minute tomato soup (see the linked recipe below) for lunch, and what more can I say other than delicious. Grilled cheese and tomato soup are a classic pair, so it always a winner.
Spaghetti Tacos
Seems odd but the crispy tacos actually go well together and kids love it because it appeared on the kids television show, iCarly.
Cheesy Vegetable Lasagna
Nobody will say no to this delicious lasagna. Layers of great flavors and very filling. Perfect to make ahead, then reheat it at the dinner time.
Grilled Vegetable Pizza
Grilled vegetables, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese are layered over a homemade pizza crust. It tastes freshly delicious! So much better than the store-bought frozen pizza .
Mushroom, Sun-Dried Tomato & Olive Pizza
This homemade pizza is simply delicious. Spread some pizza sauce over pizza dough, top with freshly sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and onions, and sprinkle some mozzarella cheese. Within about 25 minutes, this freshly homemade pizza is ready to serve.
Cheesy Baked Whole Wheat Penne with Roasted Fresh Vegetables
Tons of refreshing flavour is all in this delicious dish.
Nona's Meatballs
This recipe is over 100 years old. I add a twist to the recipe (and a little sweetness) by adding some golden raisins, like my favorite restaurant in Provincetown, Mass., does.
Mushroom Onion & Basil Pizza
Delicious, my husband made this pizza for supper and I just couldn't stop eating it. I ate half of the pizza, and drizzled some hot pepper sauce on top, spicy and yummy. We will make it again for sure.
Cherry Tomato, Mushroom & Olive Pizza
Spread with homemade marinara sauce, sprinkled with mozzarella cheese, and topped with sweet cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, kalamata olives, red bell pepper and onions. This easy pizza will for sure satisfy everyone's appetite, be sure to make enough :-)
Chicken-Free Parmigiana
Delicious, if tofu can be cooked like this way, everyone will love it. We made the marinara sauce, it was thick and tasty, then we made this tofu steak with it, absolutely delicious and tasty! It is an enjoyable way to get protein from tofu!
Artichoke Hearts, Roasted Bell Pepper & Fresh Mozzarella Pizza
Making your own pizza gives you more options to choose your favorite toppings. Spread with pizza sauce or tomato sauce, top with marinated artichoke hearts, roasted bell pepper and fresh mozzarella. Absolutely delicious.
Stuffed Zucchini
Hearty beef stuffed zucchini boats topped with melted cheese. Ground beef, rice, and marinara fill summer squash halves for a satisfying baked dinner.
Mana's Spinach Ricotta Roll
Spinach and ricotta seasoned with parmesan rolled inside crêpes then baked with a savory marinara sauce. Italian flavor with a French twist.
Slow Cooker Braciole
My version of this classic Italian dish. This is a very interesting recipe. Actually I've tried this already and I was very impressed by its taste. Try this too so that you will experience the goodness of this dish.
Easy Chicken Mozzarella Marinara
Ridiculously easy chicken, cheese with a mushroom marinara sauce that tastes great! This is a huge hit in our house, kids love it.
Favourite Vegan Stuffed Manicotti
Vegan stuffed manicotti with herbed tofu filling baked under marinara sauce. A dairy-free Italian comfort dinner with oregano, thyme, basil, and fresh parsley.
Neopolitan Ziti
Neopolitan ziti tossed with hot Italian sausage, sauteed bell peppers, plum tomato marinara, and fresh basil. A rustic southern Italian weeknight plate from the sausage-and-peppers tradition.
Garden Casserole
Vegan garden vegetable casserole with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and carrots layered over brown rice with marinara sauce and melted soy cheese.
Vegetable Lasagna Curls
Lasagna noodles rolled around a broccoli, mushroom, and cottage cheese filling, baked in marinara sauce. A fun vegetarian twist on classic lasagna that looks as good as it tastes.
Aphra De Jacques
Fried Monterey Jack cheese bites with a garlic and Italian seasoning filling, double-breaded and fried in garlic-infused peanut oil. Served with marinara for dipping.
Bruchetta At Deerhill Inn
Grilled bruschetta stacked with pesto, charred eggplant, roasted red pepper, and melted mozzarella, served on a pool of marinara. A hearty vegetarian appetizer inspired by Vermont's Deerhill Inn.
Tuna & Olive spaghetti
Tuna and olive spaghetti tossed with marinara, garlic, Greek olives, and Italian oil-packed tuna. Pantry pasta ready in 25 minutes.
Pizza in the Freezer
Homemade freezer pizza loaded with Italian sausage, ground beef, pepperoni, and mozzarella under marinara sauce. Flash-freeze and bake straight from frozen for easy weeknight dinners.
Chicken Parmesan Sub (Super Bowl)
Pounded chicken breast pan-fried in whole wheat flour, topped with wilted spinach, marinara, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella on a toasted roll. Game day eats, lightened up.
Eggplant in a Carriage (Melanzane in Carrozza)
Eggplant in a Carriage (Melanzane in Carrozza): Italian fried eggplant sandwiches stuffed with mozzarella, anchovy, and basil, then breaded and pan-fried to golden.
Classic Chicken Parmigiana
Classic chicken parmigiana, streamlined: saute chicken breasts, fan them out, blanket with marinara and melty mozzarella, then broil until bubbling. No breading, no deep-frying, one skillet, on the table in about 40 minutes.
Purim Ravioli
Homemade Purim ravioli with a tender spinach and chicken filling, sealed between paper-thin sheets of pasta and boiled, then served with marinara or meat sauce. An Italian-Jewish holiday labor of love.
Cannelloni with Cheese Sauce
Cannelloni stuffed with beef, Italian sausage, and marinara, blanketed in a cheddar cheese white sauce and baked until bubbling. Freezer-friendly for make-ahead weeknight wins.
Red Snapper En Papillote
Red snapper en papillote: snapper fillets baked in foil packets with scallops, shrimp, mussels, garlic marinara, and Cafe de Paris sauce. A dinner-party seafood feast unwrapped at the table.
Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce
Ricotta stuffed shells with arrabbiata sauce fills jumbo pasta shells with creamy ricotta, Parm, and herbs, then bakes in spicy pancetta-laced marinara. Italian comfort food with a fiery red-pepper kick.
Quick Chicken Marinara
Having some friends over? Try this quick and tasty recipe that is a great conversation starter.
Ravioli Soup
Ravioli soup simmers cheese ravioli in a beefy tomato-marinara broth with garlic, basil, and oregano, then finishes with parmesan and melty mozzarella. It tastes like lasagna in a bowl and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Grandma's Eggplant Parmigiana
Grandma's favorite summer dish can now be yours with this simple recipe that's extremely easy to understand.
Chiles Rellenos Casserole with Marinara
Chiles rellenos casserole stuffs green chiles with Monterey Jack, covers them in a puffy egg batter with cheddar, and bakes until set. Served with marinara.
Steve's Meat Loaf
Steve's meatloaf: classic comfort-food meatloaf with marinara, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, served with a creamy mushroom and sour cream sauce. Sunday supper at its most satisfying.
Yummy Three Cheese Stuffed Shells
Three cheese stuffed shells fill jumbo pasta with a creamy ricotta filling, blanket them in marinara, and bake under melted mozzarella and parmesan. An easy vegetarian pasta bake the whole family loves.
Olive Garden Florentine Lasagna
Spinach and mushroom Florentine lasagna with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan layered three times and baked under marinara or tomato-cream sauce. A vegetarian restaurant copycat.
Judi's Ratatouille Lasagne
Vegetarian ratatouille lasagna layers Provencal vegetables with ricotta, mozzarella, marinara, and bechamel between tender noodles. Meatless, hearty, feeds six.
Manicotti Florentine
Manicotti Florentine stuffed with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and spinach, baked in marinara sauce. A vegetarian Italian pasta bake with a three-cheese filling and fresh basil.
Beef Porcupines
Beef porcupine meatballs with rice, simmered in marinara sauce and beef consomme. A retro family dinner where the rice pokes out like little quills.
Italian Nachos
Crispy pita triangles dusted with Parmesan, piled high with warm marinara, basil, olives, and melted mozzarella for an Italian spin on nachos.
Sloppy Turkey Spuds
Ground turkey simmered in marinara with mushrooms and bell peppers, piled over fluffy baked potatoes and finished with Parmesan. A lighter spin on sloppy joes in 45 minutes.
Cheesy Chicken Marinara
Stir-fried chicken strips tossed with mushrooms, garlic, and marinara sauce, then smothered in melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Served over spaghetti, this 30-minute cheesy chicken marinara is a weeknight winner.
Paul's Italian-Style Meatloaf
This is from Paul, who used to run an old BBS (remember those?) with a cooking "echo". You can use all beef or all turkey. Also good with some shredded Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the marinara before serving.
Sausage, Beef, & Ribs with Rigatoni
This is absolutely excellent. I made my spaghetti sauce in place of marinara sauce. Next time, change the ribs and beef and substitute round steak. The wine makes it!
Quick & Easy Fried Ravioli
Within 30 minutes, a scrumptious fried raviolo is ready to go, served with marinara sauce.
Ham & Rice Balls
Ham and rice balls stuffed with fontina cheese, peas, and Parmesan, breaded and pan-fried until golden. Served with warm marinara sauce, these are Italian arancini with a ham twist.
More marinara sauce recipes
- Barley Stuffed Green Peppers
- Beef Porcupines
- Cheese & Spinach-Stuffed Portobellos
- Chiles Rellenos Casserole with Marinara
- Classic Chicken Parmigiana
- Grandma's Eggplant Parmigiana
- Pasta with Marinara Sauce & Ricotta
- Pizza in the Freezer
- Quick & Easy Fried Ravioli
- Ravioli Soup
- Sloppy Turkey Spuds
- Steve's Meat Loaf
- Yummy Three Cheese Stuffed Shells
