In just 20 minutes, this quick and easy Giada Parmesan Marinara is ready to be savored. Featuring canned crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese, this dish brings a savory burst of flavor. Perfect as a pasta sauce, it’s quick, simple, and oh-so-delicious.

Recipe Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
• 1 small red onion, peeled and halved
• 1 carrot, peeled and halved
• 2 fresh basil sprigs
• 2 (2-inch) pieces of Parmesan rind
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

How To Make Giada Parmesan Marinara

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Aromatics: Add crushed tomatoes, red onion, carrot, basil, Parmesan rind, and bay leaf. Season with salt.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes. Stir in remaining olive oil and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Strain and Purée: Discard onion, carrot, basil, rind, and bay leaf. Pass the sauce through a food mill or puree with an immersion blender.
5. Chill and Store: Chill the sauce completely. It will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recipe Tips

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give Giada Parmesan Marinara a spicy kick and create a bold, eye-catching contrast with the rich cream sauce and bright green basil.
• Meat Lover’s Addition: Add sliced cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the marinara sauce for a hearty, satisfying twist that complements the vibrant vegetables and rich Parmesan cheese.
• Herby Twist: Mince fresh oregano and parsley in addition to basil to create a fragrant, herbaceous flavor profile that elevates the sauce with bright, sunny notes and added depth.
• Lighter Version: Reduce the richness of Giada Parmesan Marinara by substituting half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth, resulting in a creamier, more balanced sauce with fewer calories.
• Freezer Friendly: Prepare individual portions of the sauce and freeze for up to three months, making it easy to whip up a quick weeknight dinner by simply thawing and reheating with cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Mushroom Toast
• Giada Herb Salad With Yogurt Dressing
• Giada Sole With Lemon Caper Sauce