What to Make with Marinara Sauce: 20 Marinara Sauce Recipes Anyone Can Make
Ready to explore the endless possibilities of marinara sauce in your kitchen? You’re in the right place! This collection of delicious marinara recipes will show you just how versatile and flavorful this classic sauce can be.
From rich, hearty pasta dishes and savory pizzas to zesty dips and creative casseroles, marinara sauce is the perfect foundation for meals that are both comforting and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a simple, traditional sauce or looking for a fun twist on the classic, there’s a marinara recipe here for every palate and occasion.
So grab your tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, and let’s dive into a world of bold, vibrant, and mouthwatering marinara creations! Get ready to elevate every meal with the irresistible taste of homemade marinara sauce recipes.
20 Marinara Recipes
1. Classic Marinara Sauce
This traditional marinara sauce is a timeless Italian recipe that’s both simple and flavorful. Made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil, it’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Simmered until rich and slightly sweet, this marinara has a perfect balance of herbs like basil and oregano. It’s quick to make and uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
Try it with spaghetti for an authentic Italian meal!
Recipe: Classic Marinara Sauce
2. Vegan Marinara Sauce
This vegan marinara sauce is full of bold flavors and made without any dairy or meat. The combination of tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and fresh herbs makes this sauce incredibly aromatic and satisfying.
It’s perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet and works beautifully with pasta or roasted vegetables. The fresh basil adds a touch of brightness, while the garlic and onions provide a savory base.
Make a big batch and freeze it for later use!
Recipe: Simple Vegan Marinara Sauce
3. Spicy Marinara Sauce
If you love a little heat in your marinara, this spicy version is for you! Red pepper flakes are the secret ingredient to giving this sauce a zesty kick.
The base is similar to the classic marinara, with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, but the added spice brings a new dimension to every bite.
Use this spicy marinara sauce on pizza, pasta, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. It’s easy to adjust the level of heat depending on your personal preference.
Recipe: Spicy Marinara Sauce
4. Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless Italian comfort food. Ground beef and breadcrumbs are seasoned, formed into balls, and baked or fried before being simmered in a rich marinara sauce.
The sauce, made from tomatoes, garlic, onions, and basil, infuses the meatballs with flavor. Serve it over spaghetti noodles for a hearty meal. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a perfect finish.
Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs
5. Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious vegetarian dish that layers crispy breaded eggplant slices with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
The eggplant is baked until golden and tender, then covered in marinara and cheese, creating a crispy, cheesy exterior with a soft, savory interior.
It’s perfect for serving with pasta or as a standalone main. Add fresh basil for extra flavor and color. Serve with a side of garlic bread for a full meal.
Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan
6. Marinara Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella.
This dish is typically baked until the cheese is golden and bubbly, creating a satisfying crunch and a melty, saucy finish. Serve over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.
The marinara adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the tender chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Recipe: Chicken Parmesan
7. Marinara Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a versatile and flavorful dish, and marinara sauce makes them even more delicious. Bell peppers are stuffed with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, and spices.
After stuffing, the peppers are topped with marinara sauce and baked until tender. The sauce infuses the peppers with flavor, creating a savory, juicy meal.
You can also sprinkle with cheese before baking for a melty finish.
Recipe: Homestyle Stuffed Peppers
8. Marinara Shrimp Scampi
In this dish, shrimp are cooked in a zesty marinara sauce, adding a tangy twist to the traditional scampi.
The shrimp are sautéed with garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil before being simmered in marinara sauce, making them tender and flavorful.
Toss with pasta or serve with crusty bread for dipping. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and adds a fresh touch. The combination of seafood and tomato sauce creates a perfectly balanced dish.
Recipe: Easy Shrimp Marinara
9. Marinara Meatball Sub
A meatball sub is a classic sandwich that features juicy meatballs smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The meatballs are typically made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, then simmered in marinara sauce until tender. Serve the meatballs in a toasted sub roll, and drizzle with more sauce before topping with mozzarella or provolone.
It’s a satisfying, handheld meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil for extra flavor.
Recipe: Meatball Subs
10. Marinara Veggie Pizza
A veggie pizza with marinara sauce is a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into a delicious, cheesy meal.
The crust is topped with marinara sauce, followed by a medley of vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and spinach.
Add mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes or fresh basil on top for added flavor. It’s an easy and customizable pizza for any occasion.
Recipe: Mushroom & Garlic Vegan Pizza Marinara
11. Marinara Grilled Chicken
Grilled chicken can be elevated with a simple topping of marinara sauce. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then grill until juicy and tender.
After grilling, spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and let it warm through. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until melted. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or pasta for a full, satisfying meal.
Recipe: Grilled Marinara Chicken
12. Marinara Meatball Casserole
This casserole combines the best of meatballs, marinara, and melted cheese in a layered, hearty dish. Begin by baking or frying meatballs, then layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.
The casserole is baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden, creating a deliciously comforting meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a green salad. You can also add pasta between the layers for a more filling version.
Recipe: Meatball Casserole
13. Marinara and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Chicken breasts are stuffed with mozzarella cheese and fresh herbs, then baked in marinara sauce for a flavorful and juicy meal.
The marinara sauce adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the melted cheese inside the chicken. Serve over pasta or rice to soak up the sauce.
A light sprinkle of Parmesan adds extra depth to the dish. This recipe is a simple yet impressive option for dinner.
Recipe: Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
14. Marinara and Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna is a dish made for marinara sauce, and this version uses fresh spinach to lighten it up. Layers of lasagna noodles are alternated with ricotta cheese, spinach, marinara sauce, and mozzarella.
The marinara sauce gives the lasagna a bright, zesty flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal. A side of garlic bread makes it even more irresistible.
Recipe: Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast
15. Marinara Stuffed Shells
Stuffed shells are pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, then topped with marinara sauce and baked.
The marinara sauce infuses the shells with flavor while the cheese mixture inside remains creamy and soft. This is a great dish for a crowd, as it’s easy to make ahead and bake when ready.
You can add cooked spinach or ground meat to the cheese filling for variety. A sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil completes this satisfying meal.
Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Marinara
16. Marinara Beef Skillet
This quick and easy skillet meal features ground beef, onions, garlic, and marinara sauce all cooked together in one pan.
The beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a savory, comforting dish. Serve over pasta, rice, or even polenta for a filling meal.
You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables for extra texture and nutrition. Top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Recipe: One Pot Meaty Marinara Pasta
17. Marinara Sausage and Peppers
This classic Italian dish features Italian sausage cooked with bell peppers, onions, and marinara sauce. The sausages are browned and then simmered in the marinara sauce, soaking up all the flavors.
The peppers and onions add sweetness and depth to the dish. Serve with crusty bread or over pasta to enjoy the sauce. This dish is both hearty and flavorful, perfect for any meal.
Recipe: Sausage, Peppers and Onions Marinara Pasta
18. Marinara Eggplant Rollatini
Eggplant rollatini is an elegant Italian dish where thin slices of eggplant are rolled up with ricotta cheese and spinach, then baked in marinara sauce.
The marinara sauce adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with the tender eggplant and creamy filling. It’s a great vegetarian option that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
After baking, sprinkle with fresh basil and Parmesan for an extra touch. Serve with a simple salad or garlic bread on the side.
Recipe: Eggplant Rollatini
19. Marinara Grilled Meatball Skewers
Grilled meatball skewers are a fun, hands-on meal, perfect for entertaining. The meatballs, made with a mixture of beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, are grilled until crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
After grilling, serve the meatballs with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or drizzle them with the sauce for extra flavor.
Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. These skewers are a great party or BBQ dish that everyone will love.
Recipe: Grilled Meatballs Skewers
20. Chipotle Marinara Sauce
For those who love smoky, spicy flavors, this chipotle marinara sauce adds a bold kick to the classic recipe. The base is made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions, but the secret ingredient is the smoky chipotle peppers, which infuse the sauce with a deep, earthy heat.
This marinara is perfect for pizza, pasta, or as a dip for chips. The chipotle peppers elevate the sauce with a complex flavor profile that’s both smoky and spicy, making it a great option for bold, adventurous eaters.
If you prefer a milder sauce, you can adjust the number of chipotle peppers to suit your taste.
Recipe: Chipotle Spaghetti
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