This Basic Marinara Sauce for the Instant Pot is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave the deep, rich flavors of homemade marinara but don’t have hours to simmer. In under an hour, you’ll have a flavorful, savory marinara sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired dish. The Instant Pot does all the work, creating a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Quick Benefits
- Speedy Cooking: You can make this marinara sauce in just 45 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities.
- Flavorful: The combination of red wine, dried herbs, and tomatoes gives the sauce a rich, complex flavor that mimics slow-simmered marinara.
- Versatile: This sauce can be used for a wide variety of dishes, including spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, and more.
- Healthy: With only 115 calories per serving, this marinara sauce is a low-calorie, nutrient-packed addition to any meal.
Essential Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic, providing a rich base flavor.
- Diced Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: A key ingredient for savory flavor, sautéed until fragrant.
- Red Wine: Adds acidity and richness, which helps deepen the overall flavor of the sauce.
- Canned Tomatoes: Both diced and whole peeled tomatoes are used for a rich texture and balanced flavor.
- Herbs: Dried basil, oregano, and parsley bring authentic Italian seasoning to the sauce.
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a slight heat, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Bay Leaf: Adds an earthy, aromatic touch during the cooking process.
Preparation Steps
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic: Turn on your Instant Pot and select the Saute function. Add olive oil and diced onions. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Red Wine: Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer until it reduces by half, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in both the diced and whole tomatoes, followed by the basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid, seal the vent, and set the Instant Pot to the Manual function. Adjust the timer to 10 minutes and allow the pressure to build (this can take about 10 to 15 minutes).
- Release Pressure and Blend: Once the cooking time is done, carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method. Open the lid, discard the bay leaf, and use an immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired texture.
- Serve: Your marinara sauce is ready to be used in any dish you choose! Enjoy it on pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.
Health Benefits
- Low in Calories: With only 115 calories per serving, this marinara is a healthy option for those watching their caloric intake.
- High in Fiber: The tomatoes and herbs provide dietary fiber, which helps support digestive health.
- Rich in Potassium: The sauce is a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and muscle function.
- Vitamin C: Tomatoes and garlic provide vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Serve this marinara sauce over your favorite pasta like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a classic Italian meal.
- Pizza: Use as a base sauce for homemade pizzas for a fresh, flavorful topping.
- Meatballs: Serve over homemade or store-bought meatballs for a traditional dish.
- Dip: Use as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
- Grilled Vegetables: Pair with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a hearty, vegetarian meal.
Creative Variations
- Add Ground Meat: For a meatier sauce, brown some ground beef or turkey before adding the wine and tomatoes.
- Extra Veggies: Add chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers for additional depth and flavor.
- Herb Variations: If you prefer fresh herbs, substitute the dried basil, oregano, and parsley with fresh versions for a lighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Spicy Marinara: Boost the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Marinara: Stir in a little cream or ricotta cheese for a creamy, smooth sauce perfect for pasta dishes.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the marinara sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This sauce freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary.
Pro Tips
- Sautéing the Onion and Garlic: Be sure to sauté the onions until they are translucent, as this brings out their natural sweetness. Don’t skip this step—it adds depth to the flavor of the sauce.
- Use a Quality Red Wine: The wine reduces during cooking and becomes a central flavor element, so using a good-quality wine can elevate the sauce.
- Blending the Sauce: If you prefer a chunky marinara, you can skip the immersion blender and leave the sauce as is. If you like a smooth texture, blend it until creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the sauce is done, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed, especially salt and pepper, to suit your preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 8 to 10 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced. Just make sure to cook them down longer to reach a similar consistency.
Can I make this marinara sauce without red wine?
Yes, you can omit the red wine. If you want to add depth of flavor, use a splash of balsamic vinegar or extra vegetable broth.
Can I make this marinara sauce in advance?
Absolutely! This marinara sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer. The flavors will deepen and meld over time.
Can I use this marinara sauce for canning?
Yes, this marinara sauce can be canned. Be sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure it is safely preserved.
Enjoy the rich, flavorful marinara sauce made in your Instant Pot, and add a delicious, homemade touch to all your Italian dishes!
Print
Basic Marinara for the Instant Pot
This Basic Marinara for the Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to make a rich and savory marinara sauce at home. With just a few ingredients, you can have a sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day, perfect for pasta, pizza, or any Italian dish. The Instant Pot makes the process faster, creating deep flavors in under an hour.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup dry red wine
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
-
Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) and select Saute function to heat the pot. Add olive oil and onion; cook until onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in red wine and simmer until reduced by half.
-
Pour diced tomatoes and whole tomatoes into the pot. Bring to a simmer. Stir in basil, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Press Keep Warm. Close and lock the lid. Seal the vent. Select Manual function and set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build.
-
Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Discard bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 115 per serving
