Marinara Sauce

Rich homemade marinara sauce with tomatoes, garlic, onion, herbs, olive oil, and parmesan cheese.
Appropriate for: Low-cholesterol, Low-protein
Diet preference: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
Meal type: Dinner, Dressing, Easy, Lunch
Season: Fall, Winter
Cuisine type: American, Italian
Ingredients
Yield:
Yield
4 Servings
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 dried bay leaves
  • 3 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cups tomato sauce
  • 2½ tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper, to taste
Image
Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce and parmesan in a bowl on an elegant table
Directions
Prep: 10 min, Cook: 1 hr 10 min, Total: 1 hr 20 min
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.
  4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the sauce to a boil.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  8. Remove the bay leaves.
  9. After 1 hour, stir in the parmesan cheese.
  10. Serve over whole grain pasta with a side green salad, or use as desired.
  11. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers.
Nutritional Information
Serving size: 1½ Cups
  • Calories: 198 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g estimated
    • Dietary Fiber: 4.4 g
    • Total Sugars: 10 g estimated
  • Protein: 3.75 g
  • Fat: 11 g estimated
    • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: 700 mg estimated, depends heavily on tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, parmesan, and added salt
  • Potassium: 920 mg
  • Calcium: 160 mg estimated
  • Phosphorus: 95 mg estimated

For more information about Nutrition and Kidney Health

How helpful was this content?

These recipes are for informational use only and not a substitute for medical or dietary advice. Consult your healthcare provider or dietitian for personalized guidance.
© 2026 National Kidney Foundation, Inc.