Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil)

Published: Jun 24, 2020 · Modified: Jan 20, 2024 by Shane Martin · This post may contain affiliate links.

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This Vegan Marinara sauce requires just 1 pot, 7 ingredients, and is ready in less than 10 minutes. It’s so easy to make, super healthy, oil-free, and delicious!

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (1)

If you have been craving a delicious vegan spaghetti sauce that doesn’t require intensive laboring then look no further. This oil-free marinara sauce is amazing! It’s low in calories, fat-free, and incredibly versatile.

I used everyday pantry staple items to whip up this delicious recipe. And, trust me. No one will ever know the difference. You will not sacrifice on taste or health with this recipe. You’ll never need to buy store-bought pasta sauce again…EVER!

Vegan Marinara sauce that’s ready in 10 minutes and requires only 7 ingredients. It’s so easy and simple and requires only one pot. A great recipe to prepare ahead of time so you can enjoy this amazing sauce for the week!

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (2)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tomatoes: (2) 28-ounce cans of Cento Crushed Tomatoes or San Marzano Tomatoes.
Spices: I like using dried oregano and basil because they are much more accessible. A little onion powder and garlic powder. And, a pinch of red pepper for a bit of heat. I always say it’s optional, but it really does add a nice depth of flavor.
Maple Syrup: I like sweeter sauces, but feel free to leave this out if you want a more savory essence.
Salt: Add to taste, but this is completely optional. Just be sure to use low-sodium tomatoes.

Table of Contents

How To Make Vegan Marinara Sauce

This recipe really could not be any easier. You simply add all the ingredients to a large pot and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Then, reduce the heat to low and allow to cook for 5-6 minutes. That’s it! Don’t be afraid to get creative. Feel free to toss in mushrooms or chopped veggies to make a very hearty spaghetti sauce.

How Can I Use Marinara Sauce

There’s really no “one way” as it is so versatile. But, it’s great to serve over pasta or veggies. However, I love using it in my Vegan Lasagna Rolls. Amazing!

Also, be sure and try it over regular pasta and topped with my delicious Vegan Parmesan!

How Long Will It Keep

You can store the marinara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. So, it’s great for a quick “grab and go” meal during the week.

Can I Freeze Vegan Marinara Sauce

Absolutely! Pour it into a freezer bag or a sealed container after it has cooked and set it in the freezer. Freeze the whole batch together or into smaller portions. It will last for about a month in the freezer.

When you’re ready to use it simply place it in the fridge the night before you’re ready to cook and reheat it in a saucepan.

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (3)

More Delicious Vegan Sauce Recipes

Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing
Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli
The Best Vegan Ranch Dressing
Vegan Bolognese Sauce
Cashew Sour Cream or Tofu Sour Cream
Vegan Date Caramel

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (4)

And, as always, be sure and let me know if you try this recipe! Leave a comment and star rating. If you want to be kept up to speed on all that’s going down with Shane & Simple and my latest recipes SUBSCRIBE HERE!

Vegan Marinara Sauce (No Oil)

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5 from 18 reviews

This Vegan Marinara sauce requires just 1 pot, 7 ingredients, and is ready in less than 10 minutes. It’s so easy to make, super healthy, oil-free, and delicious!

Author:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 4 cups 1x
Category: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

UnitsScale

2 28 oz. can of low-sodium crushed tomatoes. Or (if you like your sauce a little chunky, use 1 can crushed tomatoes and 1 can diced tomatoes.)
2 Tbsp. dried oregano
2 Tbsp. dried basil
2 tsp. onion powder
1 ½ tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)
2 Tbsp. maple syrup
Salt to taste (optional)

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Instructions

Place all ingredients in a large pot and simmer over medium to medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve over your favorite pasta or use for pizza sauce.

Equipment

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (6)

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Notes

This is the perfect recipe to top with my Plant-Based Parmesan.

Nutrition

Serving Size: ½ cup
Calories: 26
Sugar: 4.1 g
Sodium: 152 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Carbohydrates: 6.1 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (7)

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Vegan Sour Cream
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Reader Interactions

Comments

Let Me Hear From You!

Susan
June 18, 2022 at 1:42 pm
I’ve made this many times and it is so easy and delicious! I like to cook mushrooms to add to it and sometimes onion. I made a triple batch today, so I would have enough to share with my sister. I also enjoyed your interview recently on the Plant Strong podcast.
Reply
Wendy
May 13, 2022 at 1:10 pm
I am wondering if this sauce could be canned. Thoughts?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  May 13, 2022 at 2:33 pm
  I’ve never done it because it usually doesn’t last. But, I don’t see why not.
  Reply
- Carol Reddick
  See Also
  Broccolini Slaw Recipe with Raisins and Walnuts | Vanilla And Bean Vegan Quiche Muffins (Vegan Egg Muffin Cups - Low Carb) | Low Carb Vegan Recipes 16 Vegetarian Thanksgiving Casserole Recipes 20+ Healthy Plant Based Recipes I Ate For Weight Loss
  March 05, 2023 at 8:47 pm
  To can tomato products you need to add lemon juice or vinegar because modern tomatoes aren’t as acidic as they used to be. I’d be sure to look at a canning site, such as Ball or a university extension office to get the best advice.
  Reply
Haley
February 28, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Any ideas for what I can blend into the sauce to sub for the maple syrup? I can’t have any sweeteners including liquid ones. Would dates work all right if I blend them with some sauce in the Vitamix? What about some cooked sweet potato or carrots to add sweetness?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  March 01, 2022 at 3:09 pm
  Hi, Haley! The dates would work best. But, honestly, you could leave it out and it would be more of a savory sauce without the sweeteness.
  Reply
Selina Careen
August 23, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Simple and delicious Marnera sauce.
I also made your Hummus recipe..so easy and delicious.
Your recipes are so easy, not time consuming
and taste wicked!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  August 24, 2021 at 4:36 pm
  Selina, thank you so much and so glad you are enjoying the recipes.
  Reply
Beverly Valley
June 28, 2021 at 7:34 pm
My new go to sauce. I’m already thinking of all the things I can pour this over for a yummy dinner! Thank you!
Reply
Lisa M
April 25, 2021 at 1:09 pm
My husband loves spaghetti with meat sauce , so I used your recipe as a guide. I used fresh garlic and onions, substituted an Italian seasoning blend, added frozen mushrooms and a soy-based meat substitute. We loved it. I may add a little tomato paste next time to make the sauce a little thicker. You have some really simple and great-looking recipes and I can’t wait to try many of them.
Reply
Shannon
April 11, 2021 at 10:16 am
Very Flavourful! Was looking for a good replacement to my favourite store bought that has oil and this may be it. The easiness of this makes it a true contender as well. TY
Reply
Jen
October 19, 2020 at 6:47 pm
So tasty and easy to make! Thanks!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  October 19, 2020 at 7:29 pm
  Thank you!
  Reply
Melanie Owens
October 09, 2020 at 9:29 am
So easy, no special ingredients, and I think it’s the best marinara I’ve ever made! Thanks, Shane!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  October 09, 2020 at 10:29 am
  Thank you so much!!!
  Reply
Debbie
September 19, 2020 at 12:14 pm
See Also
Rainbow Eats: Easy Fruit & Vegetable Packed Rainbow Recipes - California Grown
Sauce came out bitter. How to fix it?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 19, 2020 at 9:54 pm
  Bitter? Hmmmm, that’s new. I’ve never heard of that happening before. Let me think on that.
  Reply
  - Linda
    October 25, 2020 at 10:41 pm
    Love this recipe!! Have made it many times now, at least once a week and the only time it ended up bitter was because my fresh basil was apparently not so fresh and had started to go to seed which makes it very bitter.
    Reply
Shawon Blythe
June 29, 2020 at 12:22 pm
So glad I came across this recipe! Trying to eat a more plant based diet. This recipe was simple and quick plus I already had the ingredients on hand. Will definitely continue to use this delicious recipe. Thanks!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  June 30, 2020 at 2:24 pm
  Thank you, Shawon!
  Reply
LaNette Hacker
April 08, 2020 at 8:26 am
Can this be frozen and if so for how long?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  April 09, 2020 at 12:19 pm
  Yes. It should keep for a couple of months.
  Reply
Sripriya B
February 24, 2020 at 10:42 pm
Hi ,
Can we use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes ? If so. What would be the quantity ?
Thanks !
Reply
- Shane Martin
  February 25, 2020 at 12:22 pm
  Yes, absolutely! One 28-ounce can of tomatoes equals about 10 to 12 whole tomatoes. Hope this helps!
  Reply
Linda Goode
January 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm
Totally awesome Marinara sauce! I will be keeping this recipe forever!! Thank you so much for sharing it!!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  January 24, 2020 at 2:53 pm
  Thank you so much, Linda! Blessings.
  Reply
Sheri Keene
November 03, 2019 at 6:51 pm
I have made this recipe MANY times and it is always perfect. It is great over spaghetti sauce or as the marinara sauce in Lasagna! I can’t improve on it. Thanks!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  November 03, 2019 at 9:41 pm
  Wow, Sherri! Thank you so much for the kind words and I’m so glad you like the sauce. Thanks for rating it too:) Many blessings.
  Reply
Sheri Keene
October 30, 2019 at 9:47 pm
I loved this recipe. I put it over spaghetti squash and both my husband and I loved it. I froze it and when I thawed it later it was even better!! !Quick, easy and the ingredients are most likely already in your pantry. Thanks!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  October 31, 2019 at 7:44 am
  Thank you, Sheri! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and love the feedback on freezing it. It never lasts long enough in my house. LOL!
  Reply
Maple
October 02, 2019 at 9:54 am
Thank you Shane for sharing this simple and delicious recipe for marinara sauce. I made this to make plant-based lasagna. The 8 minutes cooking time for the sauce does not compromise the flavor. This recipe is definitely a keeper 🙂
I used whole Italian tomatoes in a tin which I crushed up by hand before cooking it with the rest of ingredients on the stove top.
Reply
Stephanie DiSantis
July 08, 2019 at 7:19 am
Hi all! Any suggestions for someone who needs to be low/no sugar? I’ve heard sautéing shredded carrots as a replacement for sugar or the syrup could work. Has anyone tried this?
Reply
- Shane Martin
  July 08, 2019 at 8:41 am
  Hi, Stephanie! A couple of things: 1) You can leave out the maple syrup and it is still very good. Very savory. 2) Yes, you can shred carrots, saute them, and blend them briefly with the sacue before heating. You could also just add them to the sauce without blending. Hope this helps! Let me know how it turns out. Blessings.
  Reply
Christy
February 01, 2019 at 6:42 am
Fantastic marinara sauce- love your ideas & posted on Forks Over Knives FB
Reply
- Shane Martin
  February 01, 2019 at 5:35 pm
  Thank you so much!
  Reply
Shane Martin
January 21, 2019 at 8:46 pm
Mark, thanks so much for reaching out and so glad you enjoyed it. Peace and feast.
Reply
Mark Brennan
January 21, 2019 at 5:09 pm
I just made this for the first time. It’s easy and delicious.
Thanks Shane!
Reply
Julie Creveling
September 18, 2018 at 7:31 pm
I got so excited when I saw this recipe posted on Facebook today! I have tried several oil free marinara sauce recipes and haven’t liked any of them very much. So I made it tonight and it is absolutely delicious!I even had all of the ingredients already in my pantry! My hunt for the perfect homemade marinara sauce is over! Thank you so much, Shane!
Reply
- Shane Martin
  September 18, 2018 at 8:10 pm
  Wow, Julie! Thanks so much. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
  Reply
Michael
February 26, 2018 at 3:10 pm
Easy and delicious!
Reply

Vegan Marinara Sauce Recipe (No Oil) | Shane & Simple (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for marinara sauce? ›

Pizza Sauce

Pizza sauce is a convenient and delicious alternative to marinara sauce due to the similarities they share in flavor and texture. Both sauces are tomato-based and contain similar ingredients, such as fresh garlic, onions, and herbs.

Get More Info ›

What marinara sauces are vegan? ›

Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce is our go-to red sauce for quick meals that taste like they took hours. Pair this vegan-friendly jarred pasta sauce with traditional spaghetti and plant-based meatballs for a comforting taste of home.

Learn More ›

What is classic marinara sauce made of? ›

Heat oil in a medium heavy pot over medium. Cook onion, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 8–10 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, about 5 minutes; stir in basil. Add tomatoes, crushing with your hands as you go; season with salt and pepper and bring to a simmer.

Discover More Details ›

What is difference between pasta sauce and marinara sauce? ›

In short, marinara sauce is a type of pasta sauce. It's likely the one that most people are familiar with — a simple, tomato-based pasta sauce without a lot of fuss. What distinguishes marinara as its own signature sauce is its unfussy ingredient list and quick cook time.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce the same? ›

This is also why folks often use the terms marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce as one in the same. They are similar, spaghetti sauce is essentially a version of a marinara sauce. Spaghetti sauce usually contains added ingredients such as ground beef to make a bolognese sauce.

View Details ›

What can I use instead of tomato paste in marinara? ›

Try marinara sauce as a tomato paste substitute.

Marinara sauce has a similar consistency to tomato paste already, but this should only be used in recipes where the rest of the ingredients in the marinara sauce—especially Italian seasonings—won't interfere with or overpower whichever recipe you're preparing.

Why add baking soda to marinara sauce? ›

Add Some Baking Soda

If your tomato sauce is too acidic and verging on bitter, turn to baking soda, not sugar. Yes, sugar might make the sauce taste better, but good old baking soda is an alkaline that will help balance the excess acid. A little pinch should do the trick.

Learn More Now ›

What does baking soda do to marinara sauce? ›

Great tomato flavor is all about balancing acidity and sweetness. Too much of either can leave you with asauce that tastes one-dimensional. Many sources recommend adding a pinch of baking soda to a sauce that's overly tart, which raises the pH and makes it less acidic. We've always preferred adding a bit of sugar.

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How do you thicken sauce without ingredients? ›

How to Thicken Sauce by Reducing Liquid. Reducing sauce on the stove is an excellent way to thicken sauce naturally without adding any thickening agents, like cornstarch or flour. This method works particularly well for tomato-based sauces, because added starches don't always play nicely with the acid in tomatoes.