Are you looking for a healthy and flavorful pasta sauce option that won't break the calorie bank? Look no further than this recipe for 1 Serving Marinara Pasta Sauce, with only 90 calories per serving. Made with fresh and all-natural ingredients, it's the perfect solution for health-conscious foodies.

In addition to being low in calories, this marinara sauce is also packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. Tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, while herbs and spices add flavor and complexity. Plus, it's preservative-free, so you can feel good about what you're putting in your body.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for preparing and serving this marinara pasta sauce, as well as its nutritional content and benefits. Whether you're a busy weeknight cook or a seasoned Italian food connoisseur, there's something for everyone in this recipe.

Healthy Ingredient Profile

This marinara pasta sauce recipe is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that are all-natural and preservative-free. It starts with canned San Marzano tomatoes, which have a sweeter and less acidic flavor than other canned tomato varieties. Other key ingredients include garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. To add depth and complexity, you can also include fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. Not only do these ingredients taste great together, but they also offer a wealth of health benefits. Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to decreased risk of cancer and heart disease. Garlic is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, while olive oil is a good source of healthy fats that can improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. By using fresh and natural ingredients, you can create a tasty and nutrient-dense marinara sauce that's sure to impress your taste buds and your body.

Cooking and Preparation Tips

While this marinara pasta sauce recipe is fairly simple to make, there are a few key tips and tricks to keep in mind for best results. First, start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it may become bitter. Next, add canned tomatoes and salt, and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to fully meld together and develop a rich and complex taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add small amounts of water or broth to thin it out as needed. Finally, once the sauce is done cooking, you can add fresh herbs and black pepper to taste. Serve over your favorite pasta, or use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or meatballs. This marinara pasta sauce can also be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use, making it a convenient and versatile option for busy weeknights.

Nutritional Content and Benefits

As mentioned earlier, this marinara pasta sauce recipe is a healthy and low-calorie option that's packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. One serving (about 1/2 cup) contains just 90 calories, 4.4 grams of fat, and 12.7 grams of carbs, making it a great choice for weight management and blood sugar control. It's also a good source of fiber and protein, with 3.8 grams and 1.6 grams per serving, respectively. These nutrients can help you feel fuller for longer and support healthy digestion and muscle growth. Additionally, the ingredients used in this marinara sauce are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and other health-promoting substances. Overall, this marinara pasta sauce recipe is a tasty and nutritious option that can help you meet your health and fitness goals while still enjoying the foods you love.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

While this marinara pasta sauce is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to enhance its flavor and nutrition even further. For example, you can sauté some veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms and add them to the sauce for a hearty and colorful veggie-packed meal. Or, you could top your pasta with some grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy and savory flavor. Another great serving suggestion is to use this marinara pasta sauce as a base for homemade pizza. Simply spread the sauce on a pre-made crust or homemade dough, and add your favorite toppings like mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, or onions. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and enjoy! No matter how you choose to serve it, this marinara pasta sauce recipe is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

Variety of Pasta Pairings

While spaghetti is a classic and crowd-pleasing choice for pairing with marinara pasta sauce, there are plenty of other pasta varieties that can add texture and flavor to your meal. For example, penne, fusilli, or rotini are all great options for holding onto the sauce and creating a satisfying bite. If you're looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free alternative, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash can also work well with this marinara pasta sauce. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and add any additional seasoning or flavors as needed. The possibilities are endless when it comes to pasta and marinara sauce, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different shapes, sizes, and types. Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite combination!

Traditional Italian Recipe

Marinara sauce is a classic and beloved sauce in Italian cuisine, with origins dating back to the late 16th century. Its name, which translates to 'mariner-style', comes from the Italian word 'marinai', which means seamen. Some accounts suggest that the sauce was created by Neapolitan sailors who wanted a quick and easy dish to make on their long voyages, while others attribute it to Italian royalty who were fans of fresh tomato sauce. Regardless of its origins, marinara sauce has become an iconic and versatile sauce that's enjoyed all around the world. In Italy, it's typically served with pasta or pizza, but it can also be used in soups, stews, or as a dipping sauce for bread or seafood. In America, it's often paired with meatballs or enjoyed in dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Shrimp Scampi. By making your own marinara pasta sauce at home, you can connect with this rich culinary tradition and enjoy a delicious and authentic taste of Italy.

Budget-Friendly Option

One of the great things about this marinara pasta sauce recipe is that it's incredibly affordable and cost-effective. By using canned tomatoes, which are usually much cheaper than fresh tomatoes, you can create a large batch of sauce that can stretch over multiple meals. Other ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and salt are pantry staples that you likely already have on hand. Additionally, this marinara pasta sauce can be customized to your taste and dietary preferences. If you're on a tight budget, you can skip the fresh herbs and use dried spices instead. Or, if you're looking to boost your protein intake, you can add some canned chickpeas or lentils to the sauce for a plant-based boost. No matter how you make it, this marinara pasta sauce recipe is a cost-effective and delicious option that won't break the bank.

Ideal for Busy Weeknights

If you're like most people, you probably don't have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen during the week. That's where this marinara pasta sauce recipe comes in handy. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can have a tasty and satisfying meal on the table in no time. This marinara pasta sauce can also be made in larger batches and frozen for later use, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Simply reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop, and add it to your favorite pasta, salad, or pizza recipe whenever you need a quick and easy meal. By making this marinara pasta sauce recipe a staple in your meal planning routine, you can save time and stress while still enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal.

All-Natural and Preservative-Free

In today's modern food landscape, it can be hard to know what's really in the foods we're eating. Many packaged and processed foods contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can have negative impacts on our health and well-being. That's why using all-natural and preservative-free ingredients, like in this marinara pasta sauce recipe, is so important. By using fresh and minimally processed ingredients, you can reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals and additives that can contribute to chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Plus, natural foods often taste better and provide more nutrients and antioxidants than their processed counterparts. While it may take a bit more effort and planning to use all-natural and preservative-free ingredients in your cooking, it's well worth it for the benefits to your health and the environment.

Suitable for Vegetarian and Vegan Diets

If you're following a vegetarian or vegan diet, finding satisfying and flavorful recipe options can sometimes be a challenge. That's where this marinara pasta sauce recipe comes in. Made with only plant-based ingredients, it's a great option for those who are avoiding meat, dairy, or other animal products. By using canned tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, you can create a rich and aromatic sauce that's sure to satisfy your cravings. Plus, this marinara pasta sauce pairs well with a variety of plant-based protein sources, like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. Add some veggies like spinach or kale, and you've got a nutritious and delicious meal that's both satisfying and health-promoting. No matter what your dietary preferences may be, this marinara pasta sauce recipe is a tasty and versatile option that's sure to please.