Need a substitute for marinara sauce? The best replacement depends on how you’re using it, but pasta sauce, pizza sauce, canned tomatoes and a few simple tomato-based swaps can all work. I’ll show you which options are best for pasta, pizza, dipping and recipes that call for marinara as an ingredient.
How to Choose the Best Marinara Sauce Substitute
I make homemade marinara sauce often, so when I’m replacing it, I’m looking for more than something that’s simply tomato-based. A good substitute should have the right balance of tomato flavor, herbs and seasoning, with a consistency that works for whatever you’re making.
For most recipes, pasta sauce is the easiest 1:1 substitute for marinara sauce. But it isn’t always the best choice. Pizza sauce works especially well for pizza and dipping, while canned tomatoes or tomato sauce can be quickly seasoned when you need a more basic replacement.
Below I’ll break down the best substitutes for marinara sauce, how much to use and when each one works best so you don’t have to guess!
| Substitute | Ratio | Best for | Main difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta/spaghetti sauce | 1:1 | Most recipes | May be more seasoned |
| Tomato sauce | 1:1 | Pasta, baked dishes | Needs seasoning |
| Crushed/diced tomatoes | About 1:1 | Pasta, casseroles | Chunkier/thinner |
| Pizza sauce | 1:1 | Pizza, dipping | Usually thicker |
| Tomato paste mixture | Adjust as needed | Recipes, pasta | Must be thinned |
5 Best Substitutes for Marinara Sauce
1. Pasta or Spaghetti Sauce
This is the best all-purpose substitute for marinara sauce and the one I’d reach for first. Pasta sauce and marinara are both tomato-based and similarly seasoned, although pasta or spaghetti sauce may contain more ingredients and have a slightly richer flavor.
How to substitute: Use pasta sauce in a 1:1 ratio for marinara sauce.
Best for: Pasta, baked pasta dishes, casseroles and recipes that call for marinara as an ingredient.
If you’re wondering can I use pasta sauce instead of marinara sauce, in most recipes the answer is yes. Just keep in mind that the exact flavor will vary depending on the sauce you choose.
2. Tomato Sauce
Plain tomato sauce is another good marinara substitute, but because it isn’t seasoned like marinara, I like to doctor it up first.
Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil, minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes are also great additions.
How to substitute: Once seasoned, use tomato sauce in a 1:1 ratio for marinara.
Best for: Pasta, baked dishes and recipes where marinara is one of several ingredients.
3. Crushed or Diced Tomatoes
Canned crushed or diced tomatoes work well when marinara isn’t available, especially if you don’t mind doing a tiny bit of doctoring.
Crushed tomatoes will naturally give you a sauce-like consistency. If using diced tomatoes, blend them in a food processor or blender for a smoother texture. Season with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to make the flavor closer to marinara.
How to substitute: Use approximately 1:1, adjusting the consistency as needed.
Best for: Pasta dishes, casseroles and recipes where a slightly chunkier tomato sauce won’t hurt.
4. Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce makes a surprisingly easy substitute because it already has the tomato flavor and Italian-style seasonings you’re looking for. It tends to be thicker than marinara, so you may need to thin it with a small amount of water depending on the recipe.
How to substitute: Start with a 1:1 ratio.
Best for: Pizza, dipping, baked dishes and recipes where a thicker sauce works well.
5. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste can work as a substitute for marinara sauce, but it needs to be thinned and seasoned first because it is much more concentrated.
Start by mixing 1 part tomato paste with 1 part water, then add a little more water as needed until you reach a sauce-like consistency. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
How to substitute: Once thinned and seasoned, use it in roughly the same amount as marinara.
Best for: Pasta dishes, casseroles and recipes where marinara is used as an ingredient.
What If You Don’t Need a Tomato-Based Substitute?
If you’re making pasta or a baked pasta dish and don’t need to preserve the tomato flavor, Alfredo sauce can work in place of marinara sauce.
Just know that this is more of an alternative sauce than a true marinara substitute. It will completely change the finished dish, giving you a creamy, cheesy result instead of a tomato-based one.
How to substitute: Use Alfredo sauce in a 1:1 ratio.
Best for: Pasta and baked pasta dishes where a creamy sauce works well.
What Are You Using the Marinara Sauce For?
The best substitute for marinara sauce depends on how you plan to use it. Some swaps are better for pasta and baked dishes, while thicker options work especially well for pizza and dipping.
- Pasta: Pasta or spaghetti sauce is usually the best choice because the flavor and consistency are already close to marinara. Seasoned tomato sauce is another good option.
- Baked pasta: Pasta sauce, seasoned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes work well in dishes like Baked Spaghetti and Baked Ziti.
- Dipping: Pizza sauce is a great substitute because its thicker consistency works well for dipping mozzarella sticks, garlic bread and pizza bites.
- Pizza: Pizza sauce is the easiest swap for marinara, with pasta sauce as another good option. If your sauce is thin, use my tips for how to thicken marinara sauce.
- As a recipe ingredient: Pasta sauce or seasoned tomato sauce will usually change the finished dish the least. Use either in the same amount as the marinara called for in the recipe.
How to Make a Substitute Taste More Like Marinara
If you’re starting with plain tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, you may need to add a little seasoning to get closer to marinara flavor. You don’t need to add everything below. Start small, taste and adjust.
- Italian seasoning or fresh basil for classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic or garlic powder for more savory flavor.
- Onion powder for another layer of seasoning without changing the texture.
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Salt and black pepper to bring everything together.
- A pinch of sugar if the tomatoes taste especially acidic.
If your substitute is thinner than you’d like, see my tips for how to thicken marinara sauce. If the substitute is already seasoned, taste it before adding anything else.
Can You Use Tomato Paste Instead of Marinara Sauce?
Yes, but don’t substitute tomato paste directly for marinara because it is much more concentrated and thicker. Thin tomato paste with water, then season it with Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper until the flavor and consistency are closer to marinara.
Marinara Sauce vs Spaghetti Sauce
Marinara and spaghetti sauce are similar enough that in most everyday recipes, they can be used interchangeably in equal amounts, but they aren’t always exactly the same. Marinara is generally a simple tomato-based sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs, while spaghetti or pasta sauce may contain additional vegetables, meat or seasonings.
If you’re out of marinara, spaghetti sauce is one of the easiest substitutes because the consistency and flavor are already close.
Want the complete breakdown? See my guide to marinara vs spaghetti sauce.
FAQs
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
Pasta or spaghetti sauce is the easiest substitute for marinara sauce because it has a similar tomato base, seasoning and consistency. Use it in equal amounts. Pizza sauce, seasoned tomato sauce and canned crushed tomatoes are also good options.
Can I use tomato sauce instead of marinara sauce?
Yes. Plain tomato sauce can replace marinara sauce, but it usually needs additional seasoning. Add Italian seasoning, garlic, salt and pepper to taste, then use it in a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use pasta sauce instead of marinara sauce?
Yes. Pasta sauce can generally replace marinara sauce in a 1:1 ratio. Depending on the brand or recipe, pasta sauce may contain additional seasonings, vegetables or meat, so expect the flavor to be slightly different.
What is the best spaghetti sauce substitute?
Marinara sauce is one of the best substitutes for spaghetti sauce because the two have similar tomato bases, seasonings and consistencies. Plain tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs can also work.
Can I use pizza sauce instead of marinara sauce?
Yes. Pizza sauce can replace marinara in many recipes, although it is often thicker. Use it 1:1 and thin it with a little water if needed.
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