Making Olive Garden Marinara Sauce at home can bring the delightful taste of a beloved restaurant dish right into your kitchen. This sauce is packed with flavor and is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. By preparing it yourself, you can control the ingredients and customize it to your liking.
How to Make Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
Ingredients:
- 84 oz crushed tomatoes
- 3 onions (diced)
- 9 cloves garlic (minced)
- 7 Tbsp olive oil (or any mild flavored oil)
- 4 Tbsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp salt
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 24 oz tomato paste
- 5 Tbsp white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the pot. Mix well.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, dried basil, and white vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let it cook for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- In the last few minutes, add the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
How to Serve Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
Serve your homemade marinara sauce over your favorite pasta. It also works wonderfully as a dip for breadsticks or as a pizza sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or more parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Store Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage. Just place it in freezer-safe containers and use it within three months.
Tips to Make Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sugar and salt according to your taste preference.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or use less water.
Variation
Feel free to add more herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor. You can also incorporate sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for a heartier sauce.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?
A1: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just peel, seed, and crush them before adding to the pot.
Q2: Is this sauce spicy?
A2: No, this marinara sauce is not spicy. It has a mild flavor. You can add red pepper flakes for heat if you like.
Q3: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A3: Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. It often tastes even better the next day!
Olive Garden Marinara Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 84 oz crushed tomatoes
- 3 pieces onions (diced)
- 9 cloves garlic (minced)
- 7 Tbsp olive oil (or any mild flavored oil)
- 4 Tbsp sugar Adjust according to taste
- 5 Tbsp salt Adjust according to taste
- 1.5 Tbsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Add at the end for creaminess
- 24 oz tomato paste
- 5 Tbsp white distilled vinegar
- 1/2 cup water Use less for a thicker sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and sauté until they become soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the pot. Mix well.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, dried basil, and white vinegar.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Let it cook for at least 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
- In the last few minutes, add the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
