
What is San Marzano Sauce?
San Marzano sauce is a rich, velvety tomato sauce made from prized San Marzano tomatoes. Also known as “Marinara di San Marzano” or simply “Red Sauce,” this recipe hails from Italy, specifically the Campania region near Naples. Loved worldwide for its naturally sweet, low-acid profile, this tomato sauce recipe is a staple in Italian cooking and has made its way into kitchens everywhere. Whether topping a Neapolitan pizza, tossed with fresh pasta, or as a base for braised meats, it’s a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire.
Related Recipes: Napoli Sauce / Sugar Free Tomato Sauce
Why This Red Sauce Recipe is Better
Unlike overly complicated versions, this homemade red sauce recipe lets the quality of the tomatoes shine. No unnecessary fillers, just pure, rich tomato flavour enhanced with the right balance of seasoning. Simple, authentic, and unbeatable. It is naturally gluten free, sugar free, low carb and keto friendly.

The Ingredients
Pro Tips
- Choose Quality San Marzano Tomatoes – For a thick, rich, and naturally sweet sauce, always opt for D.O.P-certified San Marzano tomatoes from Italy. Organic options provide even better flavour. Canned tomatoes are easy to find that are Marzano tomatoes.
- Enhance with Sun-Dried Tomato Paste – Instead of regular tomato paste, try sun-dried tomato paste for a deeper, more complex taste. If unavailable, traditional tomato paste works as a substitute.
- Use Fresh Herbs for Authenticity – Stick to fresh basil and oregano for the most vibrant taste. A touch of thyme can add an extra layer of depth. Dried herbs just don’t compare when it comes to homemade tomato sauce.
- Boost Umami with a Parmesan Rind – Save the rind from your Parmesan block and let it simmer in your sauce. It won’t melt but will infuse the sauce with a rich, savory depth. Remove before serving. A must try!
- Don’t Skimp on Garlic – The secret to a flavourful tomato sauce is plenty of garlic. It won’t overwhelm the dish but will add a balanced, aromatic richness.
- Balance Acidity with a Carrot – A whole peeled carrot simmered in the sauce naturally absorbs acidity, creating a more balanced, mellow tomato flavour. Simply discard it before serving (this keeps the sauce keto-friendly too).
- Use the Right Cookware – Always cook tomato sauce in a stainless steel pot to prevent any metallic taste. Avoid non-stick or cast iron, which can react with the acidity.
- Add onions – This Italian tomato sauce doesn’t contain any onions. Some versions do, but this one is simple. If you want to add onion, finely chop or grate them and saute in olive oil until soft and translucent before adding the tomatoes.
- Infuse Garlic Flavour Without Overpowering – For a milder garlic essence, sauté whole garlic cloves in oil until golden, then remove them before adding other ingredients.
- Season Properly – Salt needs to be cooked into the sauce rather than added at the end. Taste as you go to ensure a well-balanced seasoning.
- Don’t Over-Simmer – Unlike other tomato sauces that need hours, San Marzano sauce shines with a shorter cooking time, preserving its fresh and vibrant flavour.
Ways to Cook It

Step 1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic; cook stirring until soft.

Step 2. Add tomatoes and tomato paste; season to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes.

Step 3. Puree the sauce with an immersion blender, or keep it slightly chunky. Either way is correct and enjoyed for various recipes.

Step 4. Fold in the chopped basil and adjust the seasoning.

Cooking Methods
- Stovetop (Traditional): Simmer low and slow for maximum flavour.
- Slow Cooker: Cooking slow makes an incredible flavour.
- Instant Pot: Cut cooking time significantly while intensifying flavour.
- Thermomix: Blend, cook, and simmer all in one go for a hands-free experience (see below for method).
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Thermomix Method
Add garlic and olive oil to the bowl, chop 5 sec/speed 5, then sauté 3 min/steam temp/speed 1.
Add San Marzano tomatoes, salt, and basil. Cook 20 min/100°C/speed 2.
Blend 20 sec/speed 6 for a smooth sauce, or leave chunky as is.
Ways to Serve San Marzano Sauce
Braised Meats: Simmer meatballs, short ribs, or chicken in the Italian sauce for rich flavour.
Classic: Over spaghetti with fresh basil and Parmesan.
On Pizza: The ultimate sauce for Neapolitan-style pizzas. Or get creative with baked eggplant, stuffed mushrooms, or chicken Milanese piccata.
Use Shakshuka: Poach eggs in the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Dipping Sauce: Perfect for mozzarella sticks or keto-friendly breadsticks.

Variations & Ways to Make It
While the classic version is simple. tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil—there are plenty of ways to tweak the flavour. Here are a few ideas:
Garlic Lover’s Dream: Roast the garlic beforehand for a deeper flavour.
Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste.
Herb-Loaded: Incorporate oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
Umami Boost: Stir in anchovies, Parmesan rind, or a splash of fish sauce.
Creamy Twist: Finish with a touch of heavy cream or mascarpone.

Your Questions Answered
More Recipes To Try
Here are just a few of my favourite keto sauce recipes.
- Smokey Keto Barbecue Sauce
- Low Carb Cranberry Sauce
- Keto Tartare Sauce
- Sugar-Free Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Keto Big Mac Sauce
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San Marzano Tomato Sauce
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 800 g (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes crushed
- 1 tablespoon Italian Tomato Paste or sun-dried tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mixed torn basil leaves and chopped fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
CONVENTIONAL METHOD
- Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Add garlic; cook stirring until soft.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste; season to taste. Bring to a boil then reduce to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 45-60 minutes.
- Mix with an immersion blender or pour into a food processor and mix if you love a smooth sauce. Stir through fresh herbs and adjust seasoning to taste.
THERMAL METHOD
- Add oil and garlic to mixer; chop 4 sec/speed 4. Scrape down sides of bowl and repeat as needed. Cook 4 min/100°C/speed 2/cap off.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste; season to taste. Cook 15 min/100°C/speed 2/cap off. Puree sauce up to speed 10/cap on if you love a smooth sauce. Stir through fresh herbs and adjust seasoning to taste.
Video
Notes
- San Marzano Tomatoes: Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes, known for their sweet flavor and low acidity.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances the richness of the sauce.
- Onion and Garlic: Sautéed onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a fragrant and authentic touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, balancing the flavors of the sauce.
- Optional: Red Pepper Flakes for a hint of heat, and a pinch of sugar or a sugar substitute to balance acidity.
- Allow the San Marzano tomato sauce to cool before storing.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- To prolong shelf life, the sauce can be frozen in portions.
- Tomatoes: If San Marzano tomatoes are unavailable, you can use regular canned plum tomatoes, but the flavor may vary slightly.
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano or thyme for different flavor profiles.
- Classic Pasta Pairing: Serve the San Marzano tomato sauce over cooked pasta for a timeless Italian meal.
- Pizza Base: Spread the sauce over your favorite low-carb pizza crust and top with cheese and desired toppings.
- Vegetable Medley: Use the sauce as a delicious dip for roasted or grilled vegetables.
- Meat Accompaniment: Simmer meatballs or chicken in the sauce for added flavour and moisture.
- Soup Starter: Use as a base for tomato soup or as a flavor enhancer in other soups and stews.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
17 responses to “San Marzano Tomato Sauce (Marinara Sauce)”
Megan, I think you may have combined two recipes here. The cook time shown at the top of the recipe card is 0 minutes, but under conventional method it says simmer for 45 – 60 minutes. There is also a discrepancy in the ingredients shown in your photo compared with the recipe card. Could you check it please?
Thank you.Hi Megan, can you use fresh tomatoes in this recipe. Although I suggested to my husband he should not grow tomatoes this year as we can eat very few – I now have about 3 kilos to use up…(and a lot more to ripen) groan.
You sure can.
Used your marinara sauce on a simple pizza margarita….it was super easy and delicious!!!Woohoo!
Wow! Can’t wait to try this Keto Pizza Marinara Sauce on my homemade pizza!:) And it’s very easy to prepare. Love it!:)It is so good isnt it Jerika
Love the spice combination in this pizza sauce. This is delicious and a nice new twist for a homemade pizza topping!I am so happy you love it Melinda.
This homemade pizza sauce is so flavorful! It made our pizza night so fun!Yay!
I love pizza and this keto sauce is so great, no need to feel guilty with carbs.Enjoy it Jean
you had me at ketO! this one is delicious!Yay!
So easy and so tasty, i can’t understand why i ever shop bought this stuff. Thanks Megan for making our food so enjoyable.
Wow what a quick and easy sauce . I used it on our pizza bases and it was delicious. Itโs great to be able to use ingredients that are already in the pantry to make sugar free sauces that are full of flavour.
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