Angel’s Marinara: A Healthy Homemade Sauce

Angel’s Marinara: A Simple, Flavorful Homemade Sauce

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival a bowl of pasta smothered in rich, savory marinara sauce. But instead of reaching for a jar, you can make your own fresh and healthy version at home. Angel’s Marinara is a recipe that brings together simple pantry ingredients, wholesome vegetables, and aromatic herbs to create a sauce that is both nourishing and delicious. Whether you’re serving it over whole-grain spaghetti, layering it into lasagna, or using it as a dipping sauce, this homemade recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

A bowl of spaghetti topped with rich marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves, surrounded by ripe tomatoes and parsley on a wooden surface.

Why Choose Angel’s Marinara?

Store-bought sauces often contain added sugars, preservatives, and unnecessary oils. By making Angel’s Marinara at home, you control every ingredient, keeping the recipe plant-based and naturally gluten-free. The combination of crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian herbs delivers authentic flavor without hidden additives. And for an extra nutritional boost, you can stir in some blended cauliflower. This not only adds creaminess but also increases fiber and vitamins while keeping the sauce light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare Angel’s Marinara, you’ll need just a handful of staples you likely already have in your kitchen:

  • 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup water (more if needed)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 (12-oz) pack riced cauliflower (optional)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 tablespoon oregano
  • ½ tablespoon dried parsley
  • Salt to taste

These basic ingredients come together to create a sauce that is vibrant, earthy, and packed with flavor.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply craving a cozy bowl of pasta, Angel’s Marinara offers a healthy and satisfying option. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Italian comfort food while nourishing your body. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought sauce in the first place.

So, grab a pot, simmer your sauce low and slow, and let the irresistible aroma of Angel’s Marinara fill your kitchen.

Check back next month, when I share my recipe for baked Pulse balls!

I have cookbooks coming soon, so be sure to check out my Healthy in Heart Store to see the latest!

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Angel’s Marinara

Nutritional Benefits Angel’s Marinara is more than just delicious—it’s a nutrient-dense choice. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health. Onions and garlic provide natural immune-boosting compounds, while the optional cauliflower adds fiber, vitamin C, and additional antioxidants. Unlike cream-based sauces, this recipe is low in fat yet high in flavor, making it ideal for a balanced lifestyle
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Calories 127 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 28 ox can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup water more if needed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lg onion diced
  • 1 12 oz pack riced cauliflower optional
  • 1 ½ T Garlic powder
  • 1 ½ T onion powder
  • 1 T teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 T oregano
  • ½ T dried parsley
  • Salt to taste not included in nutrition count

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Begin by adding onions and garlic to a pan and sauté until translucent. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds a flavor foundation for the sauce.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, water, and all of the seasonings. If the sauce feels too thick, add water ⅓ cup at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Bring to a Simmer

  • Allow the sauce to simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors together.

Slow Cook for Depth

  • Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes. If you have more time, allow it to cook for up to 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the more robust and balanced the flavor becomes.

Adjust and Serve

  • Add salt to taste before serving. Spoon the marinara over whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or even use it as a sauce for stuffed peppers or eggplant Parmesan.

Notes

• Optional tip: If using cauliflower, blend it with water until smooth before adding it to the sauce. This gives Angel’s Marinara a velvety consistency while sneaking in extra vegetables.
• For Extra Heat: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• For Richness: Stir in a splash of olive oil or nutritional yeast before serving.
• For Kids: Blend the sauce smooth so picky eaters don’t notice the vegetables.
• For Meal Prep: Double the batch and freeze in glass jars or freezer bags for quick weeknight meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 390gCalories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 20.9gProtein: 6.6gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 404.4mgPotassium: 997mgFiber: 7gSugar: 12.3gVitamin A: 23IUVitamin C: 63mgCalcium: 139mgIron: 4.2mg
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