Olive Garden Marinara Sauce Recipe

Creating Olive Garden’s marinara sauce at home is exciting because let me tell you guys… this is some delicious pasta sauce!

The rich blend of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs gives this sauce its nostalgic, restaurant-quality taste.

I let the sauce simmer long enough for the flavors to meld beautifully, usually around an hour.

I absolutely love how you can store leftovers in the freezer for later; it keeps that savory magic ready for your next meal!

Don’t forget a sprinkle of cheese at the end for the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Olive Garden Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 3 cloves Garlic (sliced)
• 2 cans Tomatoes (28 oz. each, crushed)
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1/2 cup Red Wine
• 2 tsp Basil (dried)
• 1.5 tsp Oregano (dried)
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 2:

Add the tomato paste to the pot and briefly roast it with the garlic.

Step 3:

Pour in the red wine, stirring constantly to deglaze the pot.

Cook for about 2 minutes to let it reduce a bit.

Step 4:

Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, and sugar.

Stir well to combine everything.

Step 5:

Bring the sauce to a boil.

Then, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.

Remove the garlic before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh basil elevates the sauce, adding brightness and flavor to your dish that dried basil can’t completely match.

Add a Pinch of Sugar

A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the sauce’s natural sweetness.

Don’t Rush the Simmer

Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and enrich the dish.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste and adjust seasoning as you go, especially with salt and pepper, to tailor the sauce perfectly to your taste.

Be Creative

Feel free to add your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme, which can add wonderful depth to the sauce’s flavor profile.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Marinara Sauce

Garlic Bread

There’s nothing quite like pairing Olive Garden Marinara Sauce with garlic bread!

The crispy, buttery texture of garlic bread complements the rich tomato flavors perfectly.

Make sure to toast the bread just right to enjoy every bite.

Tossed Green Salad

A fresh tossed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can be a wonderful choice!

The crisp, fresh veggies can balance the robust flavors of the marinara sauce.

Consider adding some olives for an extra Mediterranean twist to the meal.

Roasted Vegetables

Are you looking for something a bit different?

Try roasted vegetables with your marinara sauce!

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

It’s a healthy and delicious pairing.

Grilled Eggplant

For something a bit more unique, consider serving grilled eggplant alongside your Olive Garden Marinara Sauce.

The smoky notes in grilled eggplant can enrich the simple tomato sauce.

Experiment with different seasonings to personalize this tasty side.

Herb-Crusted Polenta

If you’re eager for an unexpected side, herb-crusted polenta is a delightful option!

The creamy yet crunchy texture of polenta adds an interesting dimension to your meal.

It’s a tasty, gluten-free side that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Spinach-Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Why not have some spinach-cheese stuffed mushrooms?

Their savory, cheesy fill is a wonderful match for marinara sauce.

The touch of elegance it brings can be perfect for a dinner party or a simple family meal!

Variations and Substitutions

Using Different Herbs

Have fun experimenting with herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary to give your sauce a unique twist!

Each herb has its personality.

For example, a bit of rosemary can really make the sauce pop!

Adjusting Sweetness and Tanginess

Feel free to adjust the sugar and vinegar levels to taste.

Some like their marinara a bit sweeter, while others prefer it tangy.

This is your moment to personalize the taste!

Meat or No Meat

If you’re a meat lover, consider adding some browned ground beef or sausage.

Incorporate the meat at the beginning after softening the onions and garlic.

This brings a rich depth to your sauce!

Thickening it Up

To make a thicker sauce, use a bit more tomato paste.

Allow it to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.

This step is perfect for those who love a hearty marinara.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Marinara Sauce

You’ve made some delicious Olive Garden Marinara Sauce and now you have some leftover.

No worries!

Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for your next meal.

Refrigerator Tips

First, make sure you let the sauce cool down completely before storing.

Place it in an airtight container.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Label it with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezer Options

If you want to keep your marinara sauce longer, freezing is a great option.

Transfer the sauce to a freezer-safe container.

Leave some room at the top for expansion.

Marinara sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Handy Hints

To make life easier, freeze small portions so you can thaw only what you need.

Ice cube trays work perfectly for this.

Remember to cover them well to prevent freezer burn.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your marinara sauce anytime you want!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Fresh Tomatoes

You’ll be tempted to use fresh tomatoes, but resist this urge to deviate from canned ones.

Canned tomatoes ensure a consistent, rich flavor throughout the year and save time as well.

It’s difficult to maintain flavor balance with fresh tomatoes because they vary greatly in taste and water content.

Skipping the Simmer

Patience is key when making a good marinara sauce, especially during the simmering process.

If you rush and skip simmering, the flavors won’t meld together properly, and your sauce will lack depth.

Allowing it to simmer for just the right amount of time brings forth an enjoyable, rich taste.

Forgetting to Taste and Adjust

You might forget to taste along the way, but don’t skip this step!

Tasting as you cook allows you to adjust seasoning and get it just right.

A sprinkle of salt or a dash of sugar can make a huge difference in your sauce’s flavor.