Mushroom Marinara Sauce Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hearty mushroom marinara sauce recipe? This homemade mushroom marinara combines fresh tomatoes, savory mushrooms, red wine, and Italian herbs to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Whether you’re making spaghetti, topping a pizza, or serving grilled chicken, this easy-to-make sauce is sure to impress. Packed with fresh ingredients like garlic, basil, and diced tomatoes, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal addition. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this mushroom marinara sauce will elevate any dish!

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1 1/2 cups), finely chopped
• 6 medium garlic cloves, pressed
• 6 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes (Italian style), with juice
• 1 cup red wine (soft red or Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt (or 3/4 Tbsp sea salt)
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 lb fresh mushrooms, rinsed, dried, and sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and pressed garlic, cooking until softened (about 7 minutes).
2. Add the diced fresh tomatoes along with the canned diced tomatoes and their juices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Stir in the red wine, Italian seasoning, kosher salt (or to taste), red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Using an immersion blender, pulse the sauce a few times to your desired consistency. If you don’t have an immersion blender, a food processor or regular blender works well too, but be sure to leave some tomato chunks for texture.
5. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped fresh basil to the sauce. Simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
6. Total cooking time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your desired sauce consistency.

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Tips:

• For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer. The longer you cook it, the deeper the flavors become.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, or substitute with more canned tomatoes if fresh ones aren’t available.
• If you like a smoother sauce, blend it completely, or if you prefer chunkier sauce, pulse it just a few times.
• Adjust the salt to taste, as some canned tomatoes can be saltier than others.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Mushrooms: You can substitute the fresh mushrooms with other varieties like cremini or shiitake for a different flavor.
• Wine: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute red wine with vegetable broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Herbs: If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil or even oregano can work well as a substitute.

FAQs:

Can I freeze this mushroom marinara sauce?
Yes! This sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will only improve as it sits.

What should I serve this sauce with?
This mushroom marinara sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, or even as a topping for grilled vegetables or meats.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this hearty mushroom marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne.
• Use it as a pizza sauce for a savory, earthy twist.
• Top grilled chicken or eggplant with the sauce for a satisfying meal.
• Enjoy it as a dipping sauce with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Mushroom Marinara Sauce is a rich, flavorful twist on the classic marinara, with the added depth and earthiness of mushrooms. The combination of fresh tomatoes, red wine, and garlic creates a hearty sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. It’s easy to make, customizable, and brings a burst of savory flavor to any dish. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal to impress guests, this sauce is sure to be a hit!