An easy no-cook keto marinara sauce that is loaded with flavor, not sugar! It’s the perfect low carb tomato sauce for pizza, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash when you need a keto Italian fix!
I’m posting this really easy keto marinara sauce recipe because I’ll be including two recipes that call for it in next week’s 7 Day Keto Meal Plan.
Why make your own tomato sauce?
- Store bought jarred sauce is convenient, but almost always has added sugar and fillers that also add carbs.
- To get a good one like Rao’s that is tasty and healthy, it can cost as much $8 or more!
- Making homemade marinara sauce is easy and inexpensive!
Wanna know what else is crazy awesome about this Keto marinara sauce?
You don’t even need a pot to make this recipe!
I kid you not, I never cook this sauce before using it!
I do heat up this keto marinara sauce before eating it in a recipe, but I usually make it without simmering it at all beforehand. I find that the longer you cook a simple meatless tomato sauce like this one, the more flavor you lose.
I could literally drink this keto marinara sauce out of the container – that’s how flavorful it is!
My usual marinara sauce recipe contains a lot of onions and garlic, which can really bust your net carb budget for the day. So I’m giving you this super easy, and much lower in carbs, “no chop” keto marinara sauce that you can literally make in five minutes. Then freeze it in 1/2 cup portions for whenever you need it.
What are the best tomatoes to use in Marinara sauce?
The key to this delicious keto marinara sauce is to start with the best quality tomatoes. We always use certified San Marzano (the brand doesn’t matter) tomatoes, and it makes a world of difference. It costs a bit more per can, but since you don’t eat a ton of it on keto anyway, trust me it’s worth the price (and still cheaper than a decent store-bought marinara.)
Here’s an article that’s worth a read if you’re curious about What is So Special About San Marzano Tomatoes?
If you can’t find, or don’t want to pay for certified San Marzano tomatoes, then any no sugar added whole tomatoes will work in this keto marinara sauce – but the flavor won’t be as good.
Storage Information
This low carb tomato sauce will keep for a week in the fridge. I recommend making several batches and then freezing it in 1/2 cup portions for whenever you need it.
Recipes Using Keto Marinara Sauce:
Keto Meatballs – Italian Meatball Parmigiana
Cheesy Spaghetti Squash Skillet
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Easy Keto Marinara Sauce – Low Carb
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
An easy keto marinara sauce for low carb pasta or pizza sauce!
Ingredients
- 28 oz can Peeled San Marzano Tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (add more if necessary)
Instructions
- Puree the tomatoes, olive oil, and 1/2 cup of the liquid from the can in a small blender or magic bullet.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
Tomatoes are a natural product and the flavor can vary. If you find your sauce isn’t naturally sweet enough, you can add 1 teaspoon of erythritol or another carb free sweetener of your choice if you aren’t on the Whole 30.
Don’t omit the juice from the tomatoes during pureeing or you’ll end up with less sauce – and your concentration of carbs will be higher per serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Keto sauce recipe
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 84
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 3g net
- Protein: 1g
Tyler says
I meant to leave 5 stars on my last comment, not 1. Can you fix it?
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks for the 5 stars, I had to delete the other comment because I can’t edit star ratings. I agree with you about Cento though and also I feel like the flavor isn’t what it used to be either unfortunately!
Maria says
I LOVE this sauce!! Intentionally keto or not, this sauce is the perfect marinara sauce. Some Italians might disagree with this Italian, but I truly believe that marinara should NOT have sugar in it. It’s unnatural and gross. I have been so completely disappointed with marinara sauce until I found this one. I have shared it with so many people and I use it for so many dishes! Thank you so much for creating and sharing the perfect marinara sauce. I am eternally grateful and this is my go to sauce now.
Deb C. says
Not that this recipe needs another 5 star review but I make this all the time, it’s my go to marinara recipe. I simmer the tomatoes and spices for awhile and then use my immersion blender to add the olive oil at the end. My whole family loves it!
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks so much Deb – this is still our go to as well!
Kristie says
Makes the best pizza! My boys love it and my 6 year old likes to help make it
Jene4423 says
This is my go-to marinara recipe, even when I’m not eating keto! It’s so flavorful and easy to make, I pair it with meatballs for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Diane Ford says
Used this for some premium frozen meatballs for a charcuterie meal. Yum!
Nancy M. says
Just discovered this sauce. Can’t think why anybody would ever buy jarred sauce again. Love, love, love that it’s no-cook! I think the San Marzano tomatoes are essential, and well worth any extra cost. I plan to use this sauce in any Italian recipe that calls for a jarred red sauce.
Thanks for making low carb living so delicious.
Mellissa Sevigny says
Thanks Nancy!
Billy says
I never leave reviews on recipe sites. Until now, that is . This sauce was absolutely PERFECT without having to make a single adjustment. I was licking the bowl I used to mix everything together before I put it in the dishwasher.
I can’t wait to share this with my friends and family. This is definitely going to become a staple.
Mellissa Sevigny says
So happy to hear it, thank you!
Dawn says
I am not a huge fan of red sauce, until now. This so easy to make and has so much flavor. If you need it thicker just cook it down a bit. Depending on what I’m using it for sometimes thin is better, sometimes thick. I now make sure I have all the ingredients in the pantry always. Thank you for this wonderful recipe!
Nicole S says
OMG! Could the recipe get any easier…or tastier! I used fresh roma tomatoes from the garden, otherwise stuck to the recipe! Thanks for sharing your recipe! Now following you on Pinterest!
Mellissa Sevigny says
So happy this was a hit Nicole! Still waiting for all of my tomatoes to ripen so I can harvest them and make a big batch of this too!