By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D.
Whether you are talking about pizza or pasta, most people agree that the sauce is a vital component. Although filled with mostly the same ingredients, there is a difference between pizza and pasta sauce – but can the two be interchanged? Read on to learn more about the differences between these sauces and how they compare to other tomato based sauces, too.
What’s the difference between marinara sauce vs. pasta sauce vs. pizza sauce vs. tomato sauce?
The names “marinara sauce” and “tomato sauce” are often used interchangeably – this is especially noticeable when looking at jars of sauce in the grocery store. However, although both are tomato-based, the similarities stop there.
Marinara is a thinner and more simple sauce than tomato sauce, only needing about an hour to come together. The characteristic flavor comes from garlic, crushed red pepper, and herbs like basil and oregano. Plum tomatoes work best for this sauce, and if you are looking for a classic version, use San Marzano tomatoes – you can find these canned in your local grocery store.
Tomato sauce, on the other hand, is a much more complex sauce that is thicker, richer, and takes hours to build the layers of flavor. The sauce starts with salt pork, or bacon, along with onions and carrots. These ingredients are followed by flour and butter to create a roux, or a way to thicken the sauce. Fresh tomatoes, bay leaves, garlic, and stock are added and the sauce is left to simmer for hours.
Either of these sauces can be used as a base for a delicious pasta sauce. However, the difference between pasta and pizza sauce is that pizza sauce is uncooked.
Is pizza sauce and pasta sauce the same thing? Can you substitute pizza for pasta sauce, or substitute pasta for pizza sauce?
Pizza sauce and pasta sauce are not the same. Pizza sauce is an uncooked tomato sauce, while pasta sauce is cooked. The best pizza sauces are simple, consisting of just pureed tomatoes and simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and a few herbs. Pizza sauce is uncooked because once in the oven, it will cook. Leaving it uncooked prior to putting it in the oven will give you the characteristic zippy tomato flavor characteristic of pizza sauce.
On the other hand, similar to marinara or tomato sauce, pasta sauce is cooked. The tomatoes are simmered with herbs such as oregano, basil, and bay leaves, giving it a richer and deeper flavor with a touch of sweetness. Often, tomatoes will be left chunky in pasta sauce and other ingredients such as meats and vegetables will be added. Because it is added to noodles that are already cooked, the sauce needs to have its flavor developed already.
Pasta sauce can be used for pizza in a pinch. Be sure to blend it into a smooth puree if the tomatoes are left in pieces, and put it on the stove to thicken it, as pasta sauce is thinner than pizza sauce.
Pizza sauce can also be used for pasta sauce if you are in need of a quick fix. Add the sauce and some water to a pan to thin the sauce out. You can then add your favorite ingredients to build your pasta dish.
Is marinara sauce the same as pasta sauce? Can I substitute marinara for pasta sauce, or substitute pasta for marinara sauce?
Marinara is a type of pasta sauce – and the one people are most familiar with due to its simplicity. It is distinguished from other pasta sauces by its small ingredient list and quick cook time. It is thin and not chunky, but rather homogenous in nature. Because marinara is a type of pasta sauce, it can be used for any pasta dish that calls for a tomato-based sauce, and other ingredients can be added to it as necessary.
Is marinara sauce the same as tomato sauce? Can I substitute marinara for tomato sauce, or substitute tomato for marinara sauce?
Marinara is not the same as tomato sauce. Even though both are tomato based, marinara is thin and cooks quickly, whereas tomato sauce is thick and takes hours for the flavors to develop. Although they are very different in flavor and texture, marinara and tomato sauce can be used interchangeably as they are both tomato based. If you are looking to convert a dish that calls for tomato sauce to be vegetarian-friendly, marinara is a great substitute.
Is marinara sauce the same as pizza sauce? Can I substitute marinara for pizza sauce, or substitute pizza for marinara sauce?
Marinara is not the same as pizza sauce because marinara is cooked and pizza sauce is not. Additionally, because it is cooked, marinara usually has a deeper flavor and is thinner than pizza sauce. Pizza sauce also has fewer spices and herbs than marinara. Although you can use pizza sauce on pasta as laid out above, because it isn’t cooked it is not the best option for a flavorful pasta sauce. On the other hand, marinara does make a good substitute for pizza sauce due to the simple nature of the ingredients within.
What’s the best substitute for pasta sauce?
The best substitute for pasta sauce is likely pizza sauce. Pizza sauce and marinara are both smooth and have a relatively small ingredient list. If you have pizza sauce on hand, you can throw it in a pot, add some ingredients to create a pasta sauce in a pinch.
Can I substitute marinara sauce for crushed tomatoes?
Marinara sauce is not a good substitute for crushed tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes usually still have skins and are chunky. Marinara sauce is pureed and smooth with no chunks.
What’s the healthiest sauce: pasta sauce vs. pizza sauce vs. marinara sauce vs. tomato sauce?
The healthiest sauce is pizza sauce as it has the shortest, simplest ingredient list. Pasta sauce, marinara, and tomato sauce are all cooked and have added ingredients such as meats, oils, and other add-ins. The uncooked nature of pizza sauce, just being tomato puree and spices, gives you the most bang for your buck calorie-wise.
Where can I buy bake-from-home fresh pizza, pasta, and sauce online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine and fresh tonnarelli, along with our made-from-scratch Classic Marinara Sauce. We also have a delicious Margherita pizza. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
