Here are 15 easy ways to substitute for marinara sauce, including non-tomato-based options, plus yummy recipes with marinara sauce to try!
Marinara sauce is very popular in Italian-American cuisine.
You can use it for pasta dishes, as a dipping sauce, on Italian subs, and in meat recipes like chicken parmesan.
But, you may not always have it on hand when you need it.
Luckily, there are lots of similar products and household staples that you can substitute in a pinch.
Below you’ll find 15 easy marinara substitute ideas, including non-tomato-based options.
And we’ve also shared some of our favorite recipes that use marinara that we know you’ll love!
What is marinara sauce?

Marinara is a tomato-based sauce that typically includes garlic cloves, onion, and basil.
It has a fairly thick and smooth consistency that makes it perfect for pasta dishes, dips, casseroles, and more.
It’s slightly acidic from the tomatoes, with a subtle sweetness, and a hint of spice from the garlic. It pairs well with other ingredients like parmesan cheese, mozzarella, crusty breads, and Italian seasonings.
If you’re not a fan of classic marinara sauce, you can always personalize it with your favorite ingredients and even sub out the tomatoes in the sauce altogether.
Different types of marinara sauces made with various types of tomatoes like sun-dried tomatoes, pureed vegetables like carrots and chili, red bell peppers, sweet peppers, herbs or spices like red pepper flakes, and sweet components like sugar or honey are becoming increasingly popular.
Easy Substitutes for Marinara Sauce
Below, you’ll find several easy ways to substitute for marinara sauce if you happen to run out or just don’t like the taste.
The best substitute will depend on your unique tastes and personal preference, and the type of dish you intend to make.
1. Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is very similar to marinara. But, the main difference is that it has a thicker consistency. And some versions may have a bolder flavor.
Try to find a version that doesn’t include too much oregano and Italian seasoning and use it as a 1-to-1 substitute anywhere you would marinara sauce.
2. Tomato Juice

You can use tomato juice to substitute for marinara in soup recipes such as minestrone soup. However, you may lose some thickness in your broth.
Substitute one cup of tomato juice for one cup of marinara.
3. Tomato Ketchup

Ketchup may seem like an odd substitute for marinara sauce, but it can make a suitable substitute in certain cases.
However, you do have to be careful when using ketchup because it typically contains corn syrup and it has a fairly sweet flavor.
It’s a great substitute for marinara for mozzarella sticks, fried ravioli, and zucchini sticks.
4. Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce is a popular ingredient in stews, sauces, soups, and pizza. And it has a similar consistency to marinara.
Use it as a 1-to-1 substitute anywhere you would marinara sauce.
5. Tomato Paste

If you’ve got a can of tomato paste in your pantry, you’ve got the perfect marinara sauce substitute right at your fingertips.
Tomato paste is often an ingredient in marinara, so you’ll only need to make a few modifications to get the flavor and texture right.
Mix the paste with equal parts water and add seasonings and spices like onions and garlic to your taste.
Simmer on low-medium heat until the mixture thickens to the consistency you desire, and then you can use it as a 1-to-1 substitute.
6. Pureed Tomatoes

Tomato puree is a thick red sauce made from cooked tomatoes. And it’s a great base for any red sauce.
However, it is less seasoned and thicker than marinara.
Add liquid to create a thinner sauce and throw in some seasonings like onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried herbs to taste and use it as a 1-to-1 substitute.
7. Canned Tomatoes

Any canned tomato variety like diced tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes makes a great substitute for marinara in a pinch.
Simply blend the tomatoes, or use your food processor to break down the tomatoes to your desired consistency.
Then add your favorite herbs and seasonings.
Once your sauce is complete, you can use it as a 1-to-1 substitute for marinara.
8. Tomato Soup

If you have a can of tomato soup, you can use it for sauces like Vodka sauce or to add flavor to another soup recipe like minestrone.
Condensed tomato soup can be used as a 1-to-1 substitute for marinara.
9. Tomato Passata

Tomato passata is made from raw pureed tomatoes without skins and seeds. It has a fresh tomato flavor and a similar consistency to marinara sauce.
You can use it as a 1-to-1 substitute with the addition of your favorite herbs and seasonings to taste.
10. Spaghetti Sauce

You can use this well-known pasta sauce almost anywhere you would marinara. It’s great for pasta dishes and you can even use it for pizza or as a dipping sauce.
Just keep in mind, it does have a slightly thicker consistency compared to marinara sauce and a sweeter flavor.
And some versions of spaghetti sauce may contain meat.
11. Tomato Salsa

If you’re really in a pinch you can use tomato salsa to substitute for marinara when used as a dip.
Salsa and marinara both use tomatoes as their key ingredient, and they have similar seasonings so it’s not too much of a stretch.
If your salsa isn’t smooth, you can blend it in your food processor until you get your desired consistency.
12. Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a great substitute for those with a tomato allergy or for people who simply don’t like marinara sauce.
You can use it almost anywhere you would marinara sauce including pasta recipes, casseroles, on pizza, and as a dip.
Use as a 1-to-1 substitute.
RELATED: Healthy Greek Yogurt Alfredo
13. Pesto

Pesto is another great option for those who can’t eat tomato products.
You can describe pesto as any paste-like substance made by blending. Basil pesto and olive pesto are the most common preparations.
This sauce is great for pasta dishes like Pesto Pizza Pasta Salad, as a meat marinade, and as a dipping sauce.
Pesto has quite a bit more flavor than marinara, so a little goes a long way!
14. Carrots and Beats Puree

If you’re looking for a healthy substitute, try carrots and beets marinara!
This marinara sauce features stewed and blended carrots and beets with aromatics and seasonings like bay leaves, garlic, and onion.
If you make your own, you can also add some lemon juice for acidity.
You can use this as a 1-to-1 substitute anywhere you would traditional marinara.
15. Homemade Marinara Sauce

Finally, you can always make your own marinara at home using fresh tomatoes. There are lots of different marinara sauce recipes out there, and most take under 30 minutes.
How to Make Your Own
Below, you’ll find a simple sauce recipe to make and keep on hand so you never run out!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes (preferably pear-style tomatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 5-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of onions-diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon chili pepper flakes, optional
- 10 fresh basil leaves
See the full directions here.
FAQs
They are very similar, but not the same.
Pasta sauce usually has more flavor and a slightly thicker consistency.
However, they’re similar enough to be used interchangeably.
Yes!
You can substitute spaghetti sauce almost anywhere you would use marinara.
Just keep in mind that it may have a little more flavor and a slightly thicker consistency. When preparing your dish, you may need to scale back the other seasonings.
Yummy Recipes to Try
Now that we’ve covered the best ways to substitute for marinara sauce, here are some of our favorite recipes using marinara to try!
Italian-Style Mozzarella Stuffed Burgers

Simple and Delicious Creamy Pasta Bake

Air Fryer English Muffin Pizzas

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