Doctored Up Store Bought Marinara Sauce Tastes Like Homemade
Transform your store-bought marinara sauce into a rich, homemade masterpiece with this quick and easy recipe! This "Doctored Up Store Bought Marinara Sauce" brings together simple pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and tomato paste, enhanced with fragrant dried herbs and a touch of butter for velvety richness. Freshly sautéed onions and optional additions like Parmesan cheese and fresh basil elevate the flavor, while a hint of sugar balances the acidity for a perfectly rounded sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile marinara is perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a pizza base. Whether you're short on time or craving homemade taste without the hassle, this recipe is your secret weapon for delicious, customizable marinara.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 ounces store-bought marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Pour in the store-bought marinara sauce and stir well to combine.
Add the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to fully incorporate.
Simmer the sauce gently over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
Stir in the butter until melted and blended into the sauce.
If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese for additional richness, stirring until melted.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding salt, pepper, or more sugar as needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving, if desired.
Serve over pasta, use in lasagna, or as a pizza sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
184 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.4 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 562 mg | 24% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.0 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.5 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 371 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
