Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Not only is this marinara sauce keto-friendly, but it’s also incredibly versatile. With its fresh ingredients and bold, savory flavor, it’s perfect for adding to a variety of low-carb dishes. Plus, it contains only 2 grams of carbs per serving, making it an excellent choice for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and oregano gives the sauce a fragrant and authentic Italian flavor, while the olive oil adds a smooth richness. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and free from any added sugars or preservatives found in store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 0.75 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Heat Olive Oil:
In a skillet, heat olive oil over low-medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic and Basil:
Add the chopped garlic and fresh basil leaves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the basil wilts.
3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Stir in the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to combine all the flavors.
4. Simmer:
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the sauce to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
5. Serve:
Once the sauce is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the marinara sauce over your favorite keto pasta or use it as a dipping sauce for low-carb breadsticks.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Marinara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your sauce a little heat.
- Chunky Version: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the diced tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the skillet. This will create a thicker, more textured sauce.
- Herb Variations: Swap out the basil for oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile. You can also add a bay leaf while simmering for an aromatic touch.
- Garlic Butter Marinara: For a richer flavor, finish the sauce with a tablespoon of butter before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover marinara sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this marinara sauce for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Health Benefits
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This marinara sauce is low in carbs and completely sugar-free, making it ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb diet.
- Rich in Antioxidants: The tomatoes and fresh herbs provide beneficial antioxidants, such as vitamin C and lycopene, which help promote overall health.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health.
FAQs
1. Can I make this marinara sauce ahead of time?
Yes! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a larger batch and store it for later use.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work well in this recipe. Use about 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped, and cook them down until they release their juices and form a sauce.
3. Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a diced jalapeño to spice up the sauce to your liking.
4. Can I make this marinara with dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried basil for fresh basil. Use about 1 tsp of dried basil to replace the fresh basil in the recipe.
5. Can I use this marinara sauce for pizza?
Yes, this keto marinara sauce is perfect for pizza. Just spread it over your keto pizza crust before adding your favorite toppings!
Conclusion
This Easy Keto Marinara Sauce is the perfect addition to your low-carb meals. With its fresh ingredients, rich flavor, and simple preparation, it’s a must-have for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re using it with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce, it’s a versatile condiment that adds flavor without the extra carbs. Make a batch today and enjoy this healthy, delicious sauce in your next meal!
Easy Keto Marinara Sauce: Quick, Flavorful, and Low-Carb
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Keto Marinara Sauce is a low-carb, sugar-free, and vegan-friendly sauce perfect for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Made with fresh ingredients, it delivers a rich, savory flavor ideal for pasta, pizza, or dipping.
Ingredients
1 can diced tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, chopped
0.75 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a skillet, heat olive oil over low-medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic and Basil: Add chopped garlic and fresh basil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the basil wilts.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve the marinara sauce with keto pasta or as a dipping sauce.
Notes
Spicy Marinara: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Chunky Version: Pulse diced tomatoes in a blender for a thicker, more textured sauce.
Herb Variations: Swap basil for oregano or thyme. Add a bay leaf for an aromatic touch.
Garlic Butter Marinara: Finish with a tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
