Italian-American Pasta Sauce
Italian-American Marinara is a vibrant, simple tomato-based sauce that serves as the foundation for countless pasta dishes. It typically features crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano, simmered to create a rich, savory flavor. While its roots are in the simple 'marinara' sauces of Naples, the American version often has a slightly sweeter, more robust profile.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This sauce is generally low in fat and protein, but can be moderate in carbohydrates from the tomatoes and any added sugar. It's a good source of vitamins A and C, and the lycopene from cooked tomatoes is a powerful antioxidant. A typical ½ cup serving is around 70-90 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1500 IU |
| Lycopene | 12 mg |
| Folate | 30 mcg |
| Vitamin K | 10 mcg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 30 mg |
Per 1 cup (245 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it represents the adaptation of Italian peasant cooking to American ingredients and tastes, often becoming a staple in family kitchens. Nutritionally, the cooking process actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, making it more beneficial than raw tomatoes.
