Marinara sauce substitutes
Marinara sauce substitutes — 5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tomato sauce
Same amount as the marinara sauce
Basic tomato sauce that can be seasoned to match marinara flavor.
The best substitutes for marinara sauce are tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, or pizza sauce.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- pasta
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of marinara sauce | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tomato saucepasta | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Crushed tomatoespasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Pizza saucepizza | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Tomato paste + waterpasta | 1:3 (1 part paste to 3 parts water)Tweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Pasta saucepasta | Same amountWorks | Works |
Tomato sauce
different taste, similar texture
Basic tomato sauce that can be seasoned to match marinara flavor.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, meatballs, casseroles
Add garlic, oregano, and basil to mimic marinara flavor.
Crushed tomatoes
similar taste and texture
Canned tomatoes with herbs and seasonings, similar to marinara.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, soups, stews
May need additional seasoning to match marinara flavor profile.
Pizza sauce
similar taste, different texture
Thicker tomato sauce specifically designed for pizza applications.
- Best for
- pizza, calzones, breadsticks, pasta
Similar flavor profile but thicker consistency than marinara.
Tomato paste + water
different taste, similar texture
Concentrated tomato flavor that can be diluted and seasoned.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, soups, stews
Add herbs, garlic, and seasonings to create marinara-like flavor.
Pasta sauce
similar taste and texture
Pre-made sauce with herbs and seasonings, similar to marinara.
- Best for
- pasta, pizza, meatballs, casseroles
May have different herb combinations but similar base flavor.
Questions
4 questionsCan I use tomato sauce instead of marinara?
Yes, tomato sauce can work as a substitute for marinara. Just add garlic, oregano, basil, and other Italian herbs to match the flavor profile. You may also want to add a bit of olive oil.
What's the difference between marinara and pizza sauce?
Marinara sauce is typically thinner and more liquid, while pizza sauce is thicker and more concentrated. Both have similar flavor profiles but different consistencies for their intended uses.
Can I make marinara sauce from scratch?
Yes, marinara sauce is easy to make from scratch using canned or fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs. It typically takes about 30-45 minutes to prepare.
How long does marinara sauce last?
Homemade marinara sauce lasts 3-5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. Store-bought marinara sauce should be used by the expiration date on the jar.
Tips for substituting marinara sauce
7 tips- Marinara sauce is typically made with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and Italian herbs
- Store homemade marinara sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- Marinara sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity in tomato-based sauces
- Marinara pairs well with pasta, meatballs, and Italian dishes
- For a smoother sauce, blend or puree the tomatoes before cooking
- Marinara sauce can be made with fresh or canned tomatoes