If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add flavor to your meals, you might consider using 1 serving pasta sauce - Marinara. This classic tomato-based sauce is a staple in Italian cuisine and can be used in a variety of ways. Best of all, it's low in calories, with just 80 calories per serving.

Aside from being low in calories, Marinara sauce is also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer.

In this article, we'll explore some creative ways to use Marinara sauce in your cooking and share some tips on how to make it even more nutritious.

Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition

If you're looking to boost the nutritional value of your Marinara sauce, consider adding some vegetables to it. You can add finely chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Other great options include zucchini, eggplant, and carrots. These vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and adding them to your Marinara sauce can help you achieve your daily recommended intake of these important nutrients.

Make a Classic Spaghetti Dish

One of the most popular ways to use Marinara sauce is to make a classic spaghetti dish. Simply cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions and toss it with Marinara sauce. You can also add meatballs or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Spaghetti with Marinara sauce is a delicious and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables if you add some finely chopped onions and bell peppers to your sauce.

Simmer with Meat for a Hearty Meal

If you're looking to create a hearty and filling meal, consider simmering your Marinara sauce with some meat. Ground beef, sausage, and chicken are all great options. Simply brown your meat in a pan, add your Marinara sauce, and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes. You can serve this sauce with pasta, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Use as a Pizza Sauce

Marinara sauce also makes a great pizza sauce. Simply spoon some sauce onto your pizza crust and add your favorite toppings. You can add shredded cheese, vegetables, or meat to create a delicious and nutritious pizza that the whole family will love.

Top Your Toast with Marinara

If you're looking for a savory breakfast option, consider topping your toast with Marinara sauce. Simply toast your bread, spoon some sauce on top, and add an egg for extra protein. This is a great way to switch up your breakfast routine and get some extra nutrition in your diet.

Try Chicken Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that pairs perfectly with Marinara sauce. Simply bread and bake your chicken breasts, spoon some Marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. You can serve this dish with pasta or a side of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Make a Vegan Meatball Sub

If you're following a vegan diet, you can still enjoy the delicious flavor of Marinara sauce. Simply make some vegan meatballs using lentils or chickpeas, and simmer them in Marinara sauce for a few minutes. Spoon your meatballs and sauce onto a sub roll and top with some vegan cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Create a Healthy Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is another classic Italian dish that can be made healthier with the use of Marinara sauce. Simply slice your eggplant, bread and bake it, and layer it in a baking dish with Marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake your eggplant Parmesan in the oven until it's heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with a side salad for a nutritious and delicious meal.

Mix with Cream for a Richer Marinara Sauce

If you're looking for a richer and creamier Marinara sauce, you can mix it with some cream. Simply heat your Marinara sauce in a pan and whisk in some heavy cream until it's fully combined. This sauce is perfect for pasta dishes or as a dip for breadsticks. Just be aware that it will be higher in calories and fat than regular Marinara sauce.

Use as a Dip for Snacks

Finally, Marinara sauce makes a great dip for a variety of snacks. You can use it as a dip for breadsticks, pretzels, or even raw vegetables. This is a great way to add some extra flavor and nutrients to your snacks without adding too many calories.