Marinara vs. Pizza Sauce: What’s the Difference?

When making a homemade pizza or pasta dish, one common question arises: Can I use marinara sauce instead of pizza sauce? While they may look similar, they serve different purposes in cooking.

Both marinara and pizza sauce have a tomato base, but their ingredients, texture, and preparation method make them unique. Understanding their differences will help you pick the right sauce for your dish.

Before we dive in, you can check out this Wikipedia article on tomato-based sauces to learn more about their history and uses.

Now, let's explore how marinara and pizza sauce compare. Read more.

What is Marinara Sauce?

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce known for its bright, fresh flavors. It's often used as a dipping sauce or poured over pasta, meatballs, or seafood.

Key Characteristics of Marinara Sauce:

✔ Simple Ingredients – Tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, onions, and Italian herbs (like basil and oregano).

✔ Chunky & Watery Texture – Made with crushed tomatoes, making it slightly thinner than pizza sauce.

✔ Quick Cooking Time – Usually simmered for 20 to 30 minutes to keep the flavor fresh.

✔ Versatile – Used in pasta dishes, lasagna, and even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and mozzarella sticks.

When to Use Marinara Sauce

• Over pasta (spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna).
• As a dip for breadsticks, fried mozzarella, or garlic knots.
• In meatball or eggplant Parmesan recipes.

What is Pizza Sauce?

Pizza sauce is made specifically for spreading on pizza dough before baking. Unlike marinara, pizza sauce is not cooked beforehand. It's designed to cook in the oven along with the pizza, absorbing flavors from the crust and toppings.

Key Characteristics of Pizza Sauce:

✔ Smooth & Thick Texture – Made with blended tomatoes to create a thicker consistency that won't make the pizza soggy.

✔ Uncooked Before Use – The sauce cooks in the oven as the pizza bakes, making the flavor richer and deeper.

✔ Bolder Flavor – Contains more herbs and spices (like oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes).

✔ Clings to the Dough – Since it's thicker, it sticks well to the pizza crust without making it soggy.

When to Use Pizza Sauce

• On homemade pizzas (Neapolitan, New York-style, deep-dish, etc.).
• As a base for pizza-inspired dishes like French bread pizza or pizza bagels.

Marinara vs. Pizza Sauce: A Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Differences Between Marinara and Pizza Sauce

1. Cooking Method

• Marinara is pre-cooked before serving, which helps develop a fresh, tangy taste.
• Pizza sauce is raw when applied to the dough and cooks in the oven, resulting in a richer, more concentrated flavor.

2. Texture & Consistency

• Marinara has a looser, slightly chunky texture since it's made from crushed tomatoes.
• Pizza sauce is thicker and smoother to prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy.

3. Ingredient Composition

• Marinara sauce often includes olive oil, onions, and fresh garlic to enhance its bright flavor.
• Pizza sauce usually contains dried herbs, garlic powder, and sometimes sugar for a deeper taste.

4. Usage & Versatility

• Marinara is multi-purpose, great for pasta, dips, and meat-based dishes.
• Pizza sauce is specifically designed for pizza and similar baked dishes.

Can You Substitute Marinara for Pizza Sauce?

Yes, but with some adjustments! If you only have marinara sauce but need pizza sauce, you can:

✅ Blend the marinara sauce to make it smoother.

✅ Thicken it by simmering it longer or adding tomato paste.

✅ Add extra seasonings like oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to match pizza sauce flavors.

However, using marinara as a pizza sauce might result in a thinner base that could make your crust soggy.

Can You Use Pizza Sauce for Pasta?

Technically, yes! But pizza sauce is much thicker and more intense in flavor compared to marinara. If using it for pasta, try:

✔ Thinning it out with olive oil or water.

✔ Adding sautéed garlic and onions to give it depth.

✔ Mixing in fresh basil or oregano for a fresher taste.

Which One is Healthier?

Both marinara and pizza sauce are tomato-based, making them a good source of vitamins A, C, and lycopene (an antioxidant). However, marinara is often healthier because:

• It contains fewer preservatives (especially homemade versions).
• It is typically lower in sodium and less processed than store-bought pizza sauce.
• It is often made with olive oil, which adds healthy fats.

If buying store-bought versions, check the ingredient label and opt for options with no added sugar or artificial preservatives.

Homemade Marinara vs. Pizza Sauce Recipe

Want to make both sauces from scratch? Here's how!

Simple Marinara Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and add spices.
3. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Use immediately or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Simple Pizza Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) tomato puree
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using (to allow flavors to develop).
3. Spread on pizza dough and bake as usual.

Both sauces are easy to make and taste way better than store-bought versions!

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Use?

The choice between marinara vs. pizza sauce depends on what you're cooking:

✅ Use marinara if you need a sauce for pasta, dipping, or casseroles.

✅ Use pizza sauce if you're making a homemade pizza and need a thicker, uncooked base.

Both sauces bring delicious flavors to your dishes, but they aren't the same! Now that you know the difference, you'll always choose the right one for your next meal.

For more pizza-related tips, read more.