When looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this Instant Pot marinara is the perfect option! My Instant Pot tomato sauce recipe is an absolute classic - it has all the flavor of a slow-simmered sauce but takes minutes to make. Full of tangy tomatoes, onions, and herbs, this sauce is ideal for pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce.
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Once you make your own Instant Pot marinara, there is no going back to the store-bought variety! Not only are the ingredients fresher, but it is incredibly easy to put together. Seriously, this Instant Pot tomato sauce is so delicious; you won't believe how simple it is to make.
By using the Instant Pot, you can lock in all the flavors while drastically reducing the cooking time - creating a smooth, flavorful sauce. Plus, you can control the amount of salt and herbs when making homemade Instant Pot pasta sauce, allowing you to customize it to your taste!
My Instant Pot pasta sauce uses canned tomato paste and crushed tomatoes for a thicker texture full of tomato-y goodness! The fresh onion and traditional Italian herbs add depth and complexity to the sauce, bringing it to a new level of deliciousness. The best part about this Instant Pot marinara is that you can use it in so many different ways - check out my favorite uses for this yummy sauce below!
Why You'll Love Instant Pot Marinara
- Ready in minutes. The Instant Pot is seriously a lifesaver in making dinner quickly! My Instant Pot pasta sauce is ready in just a few minutes, meaning you can have dinner on the table at record speed.
- Deliciously tangy and flavorful. Don't be fooled by its simplicity - this Instant Pot marinara is as flavorful (if not more!) than any jarred alternative. The fresh ingredients provide a bright, zesty flavor that your family will love.
- Suitable for a variety of dishes. Don't think my Instant Pot tomato sauce recipe is just for pasta! You can use it to top pizza, as a dip for veggies, or even mix it into soups and stews.
Ingredients For Instant Pot Tomato Sauce
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Crushed tomatoes
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Water
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
Instructions For Instant Pot Marinara
- Turn Instant Pot to saute mode.
- Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add onion, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Saute, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened.
- Add the tomato paste, cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
- Stir until combined.
- Cancel saute mode.
- Place lid on and put vent in sealing position.
- Turn on manual high pressure and cook for 2 minutes.
- Let the Instant Pot to natural pressure release.
What goes well with marinara sauce?
This Instant Pot tomato sauce is so versatile! Here are some awesome ideas for serving this flavorful sauce:
- On top of spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or your favorite pasta
- Spread on homemade pizza dough
- Over creamy polenta
- As a dip for veggies or crusty bread - cheesy bread dipped in Instant Pot marinara is a super fun lunchbox idea!
- In lasagna or other Italian casseroles
- Over parmesan zucchini, chicken or fish!
- With meatballs - either over spaghetti or to make a meatball sub!
- On a slow-cooked beef roast - just pour the sauce in with your roast and set it to low for 8 hours. Now you have a hearty Italian-flavored roast!
Instant Pot tomato sauce isn't just for topping other ingredients. It also makes a beautiful base for many dishes, such as:
- Soups or stews - blend your Instant Pot marinara and add to any soup or stew recipe! Tomato soup is extra delicious when made with homemade tomato sauce.
- Homemade chili - Add some beans, ground turkey, and spices to the sauce, and you have a delicious turkey chili!
- Goulash - Mix in diced peppers, macaroni, and ground beef to the Instant Pot tomato sauce, and you have a delicious goulash!
Depending on your pressure cooker's size, you can whip up a large batch of Instant Pot pasta sauce and have leftovers to enjoy for the week. Store your sauce in an air-tight container, and it will last for up to 7 days in the fridge.
Yes, you can freeze this Instant Pot marinara sauce! Pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container, which will last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Defrost before using, and enjoy!
Marinara is a specific type of tomato sauce, typically made with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onions, garlic, and herbs. On the other hand, spaghetti sauce can be made with various ingredients, such as sausage and mushrooms. Marinara sauce is usually thinner and uses fresher ingredients, while spaghetti sauce can be thicker and often includes a broad range of ingredients.
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Instant Pot Marinara
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion (minced)
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 6 ounces tomato paste (small can)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (large can)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Turn Instant Pot to saute mode.
- Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add onion, parsley, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Saute, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened.
- Add the tomato paste, cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water.
- Stir until combined.
- Cancel saute mode.
- Place lid on and put vent in sealing position.
- Turn on manual high pressure and cook for 2 minutes.
- Let the Instant Pot to natural pressure release.
Yvonne
We love this sauce. So easy to make. This is the first marinara sauce I have liked. We added a bit of red wine and one hot sausage
My family thanks you for now I will finally eat spaghetti.
Anonymous
We love this sauce. So easy to make. I
Alli
So quick!