Go Back
–+ servings
red marinara sauce

Easy Marinara Dipping Sauce Recipe (Quick Simple Dip)

Allie Hagerty
This easy marinara dipping sauce recipe mkaes 2.5 cups and is great for a variety of snacks like pizza bites, breadsticks, or arancini!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Sauce
Servings 20 servings

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • cutting board
  • Knife
  • measuring spoons
  • can opener
  • Grater (for Parmigiano Reggiano, if not pre-grated)
  • Airtight container for storage (if applicable)

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 halved onion
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and the halved onion to the pan and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow it to caramelize slightly.
  • Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and stir well. Add dried oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  • Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • Remove the onion and discard.
  • Stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano until it's fully incorporated.

Notes

Taste as You Go -  Taste the sauce as it cooks and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Remember, you can always add more salt, pepper, or herbs, but you can't take them away.
Texture Matters - Pay attention to the texture of the sauce. Simmer it until it reaches your desired thickness, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to a sauce that's too thick or overly concentrated.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 139mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!