Are you an Italian food lover who is curious to know more about one of the world’s favorite pizza sauces? If so, then today is your lucky day! You’re going to discover all the secrets behind marinara pizza sauce that make it so delicious and unique. From its humble beginnings in Naples, Italy to its different variations around the world, we’ll take a deep dive into this classic choice for topping pizzas and pastas. So let’s get started learning about what is Marinara Pizza Sauce simply irresistible.
Contents
- 1 What Is Marinara Pizza Sauce?
- 2 Origins Of Marinara Sauce
- 3 Types Of Marinara Sauce
- 4 Difference Between Marinara Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce
- 5 The Benefits Of Eating Marinara Pizza Sauce
- 6 Ingredients Commonly Used In Marinara Sauce
- 7 How To Make Homemade Marinara Sauce?
- 8 Tips For Perfectly Preparing Marinara Pizza Sauce
- 9 Creative Recipes Using Marinara Pizza Sauce
- 10 FAQ: Marinara Pizza Sauce
- 11 Is marinara sauce the same as pizza sauce?
- 12 Is Margherita pizza sauce the same as marinara sauce?
- 13 Does Domino’s use marinara pizza sauce or tomato sauce?
- 14 Is marinara pizza sauce just cheese and tomato?
What Is Marinara Pizza Sauce?

Marinara pizza sauce is a simple blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and aromatic ingredients. It can be customized with additional seasonings like basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to suit individual taste preferences. The sauce is typically cooked for a short amount of time to maintain its fresh flavors and then used as a topping for pizza or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It’s also commonly used in pasta dishes, making it a versatile sauce that can be incorporated into many different recipes. After learning about “what is Marinara Pizza Sauce?” Please join us to learn more related information about Marinara Pizza Sauce.
Origins Of Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is said to have originated in Naples, Italy. The name “marinara” comes from the Italian word for sailor, as this sauce was favored by sailors who often made long voyages and needed a sauce that was easy to make with minimal ingredients on hand. Over time, marinara sauce has become popular all over the world and different regions have put their own unique spin on it. For example, in Southern Italy, the sauce is typically made with tomatoes and olive oil, while Northern Italy uses a combination of butter and cream to make their variation of marinara.
Types Of Marinara Sauce
Here are a few variations of marinara pizza sauce that you may come across:
- Marinara Sauce.
- Alfredo Sauce.
- Bolognese Sauce.
- Vodka Sauce.
- Pomodoro Sauce.
- Pesto Sauce.
- Carbonara Sauce.
- Bechamel Sauce.
Difference Between Marinara Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce
Many people often confuse marinara sauce with spaghetti sauce, but they are actually two different types of tomato-based sauces. Marinara sauce is a simple mixture of tomatoes and seasonings, while spaghetti sauce is typically cooked for a longer period of time and may contain additional ingredients like meat or vegetables. Additionally, marinara sauce tends to have a thinner consistency compared to spaghetti sauce which is usually thicker and more hearty.
The Benefits Of Eating Marinara Pizza Sauce
Marinara pizza sauce is a type of pasta sauce that provides a wide range of nutritional benefits. It promotes heart health, improves digestive health, strengthens bones, protects skin from UV rays, and stimulates hair growth, among other advantages. The key ingredients in marinara sauce, tomatoes, are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Garlic and onions, also commonly found in marinara sauce, have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in reducing inflammation in the body. Additionally, cooking with olive oil instead of butter or other oils helps to decrease saturated fat intake and may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Overall, marinara pizza sauce is a flavorful and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients Commonly Used In Marinara Sauce
The key ingredients in marinara sauce are tomatoes, onions, and garlic. However, there are often additional seasonings and herbs that are added to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Some commonly used ingredients include:
- Basil: This herb adds a sweet and slightly minty flavor to the sauce.
- Oregano: This herb has a strong and slightly bitter taste that gives the sauce a more complex flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adding red pepper flakes gives the sauce a spicy kick, making it perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their food.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings help to bring out the flavors of all the other ingredients in the sauce.
How To Make Homemade Marinara Sauce?
Making your own marinara pizza sauce at home is a simple and delicious way to elevate your meals. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade marinara sauce:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and garlic, and sauté until they become fragrant.
- Add canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and any additional seasonings of your choice. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let it cool before using as a topping or dipping sauce.
- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transferring to a traditional blender and pulsing until smooth.
Tips For Perfectly Preparing Marinara Pizza Sauce
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to get the best flavors.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination.
- If using canned tomatoes, opt for either crushed or whole peeled tomatoes instead of diced as they tend to have a better texture for sauce making.
- Letting the sauce simmer for at least 20 minutes allows all the flavors to fully develop. However, if you have more time, letting it cook for longer will only enhance the taste.
- Don’t be afraid to add some red wine or balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor.
Creative Recipes Using Marinara Pizza Sauce

- Marinara Pizza: Of course, marinara pizza sauce can be used as a topping for your favorite pizza crust. Add some cheese, vegetables, and any other toppings of your choice for a delicious homemade pizza.
- Tomato Soup: Heat up some marinara sauce and mix in some vegetable broth for a quick and easy tomato soup.
- Chicken Parmesan: Use marinara sauce as the base for your chicken parmesan instead of traditional pasta sauce for a tasty twist on a classic dish.
- Zucchini Noodles with Marinara: For a healthier take on spaghetti and meatballs, use zucchini noodles and top them with marinara sauce for a low-carb alternative.
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FAQ: Marinara Pizza Sauce
Is marinara sauce the same as pizza sauce?
Pizza sauce and marinara sauce are similar but distinct condiments. Pizza sauce is thicker in texture due to pureed tomatoes, while marinara is lightly blended. Pizza sauce is commonly used as a pizza topping, whereas marinara is served as a dip or topping.
Is Margherita pizza sauce the same as marinara sauce?
Margherita pizza is made with passata, fiordilatte or scamorza cheese, basil, and extravirgin olive oil. Marinara pizza is made with passata, garlic, oregano, extravirgin olive oil and can include anchovy.
Does Domino’s use marinara pizza sauce or tomato sauce?
The “hearty marinara” sauce is chunky and less spicy, typically used with pasta. The “robust inspired tomato sauce” is smooth with no chunks, zesty, and spicier in flavor. It is usually used on pizzas.
Is marinara pizza sauce just cheese and tomato?
Pizza Marinara, also known as Pizza alla Marinara, is a style of pizza from Neapolitan cuisine. It is prepared with tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, oregano and garlic. It is traditionally served without cheese, but some versions may include grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino romano cheese.

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