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If you’re looking for a marinara sauce that’s simple, bold, and ready in about 20 minutes — you’re in the right place. This Spicy Calabrian Marinara brings vibrant flavor to pasta night, pizza night, or anytime you want to switch things up with something a little spicier.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Calabrian Marinara Sauce
Sometimes the boldest flavors really do come from the simplest ingredients. I first made this when we were having people over for game night — I was serving toasted ravioli and wanted a dipping sauce that felt a little more special but didn’t take hours. That jar of Calabrian chilis in my pantry came to the rescue.
It turned out so good that now it’s one of my favorite weeknight shortcuts for pasta and pizza, too. It’s fast, flavorful, and always gets plenty of compliments from the family.
What makes these crave-worthy!
❥ Flavor: Smoky, spicy, and deeply tomato‑rich; the Calabrian chilis bring more than heat.
❥ Quick & Easy: Made with shelf-stable pantry ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes on the stovetop.
❥ Adaptable: Swap in what you have, tweak the heat, and still end up with a killer sauce.
NikkiIngredients Needed for Calabrian Chili Marinara Recipe
- Olive oil – A mid‑to high‑quality oil adds richness and smooths out the spice.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic gives the best flavor.
- Calabrian chilis – These bring heat and flavor — plan for the spice. For substitution, crushed red pepper flakes work in a pinch.
- Dried oregano & basil: Classic pantry herbs that bring depth and balance without needing to reach for anything fresh.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can) – Follow the size to ensure your sauce has the right ratio of tomato to spice.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning; don’t skip them because the spice alone won’t carry the sauce.
How To Make Calabrian Marinara Sauce
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Sauté the aromatics
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 3 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped Calabrian chilis, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon dried basil.
Cook for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Step 2 | Add tomatoes and season
Pour in the 28‑ounce can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir well.
Step 3 | Simmer for flavor
Bring the mixture up to a gentle bubble over medium heat. Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or scorches. The longer you let it go, the more the flavors deepen.
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Step 4 | Finish and serve
Give the sauce a final stir, taste, and adjust salt/pepper if needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, as the base for a pizza, or with toasted ravioli for dipping.
Variations and Substitutions
- Less heat? Use 1 tablespoon instead of 2 of Calabrian chilis, or substitute 1–1½ teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Fresh herbs? Instead of dried oregano/basil, you can stir in 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil and ½ teaspoon fresh oregano at end of simmer.
- Creamy twist? Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half at the end for a pink‑tomato‑cream version.
- Chunkier texture? Use half crushed tomatoes and half diced tomatoes to retain more bite.
- Lower sodium? Use a no‑salt‑added crushed tomato can and reduce added salt to ½ teaspoon; adjust to taste after simmer.
Recipe FAQs
The heat level will depend on the jar of Calabrian chilis you use (they vary in intensity). They carry a fruity, smoky heat — not just raw spice. If you’re a bit cautious, start with fewer chilis and add more later.
Yes! It holds beautifully. You can simmer ahead, cool, refrigerate and re‑warm when ready to serve. The flavor even improves after resting.
What to Serve With Spicy Marinara Sauce
- Toss with spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni and top with freshly torn basil and grated Parmesan.
- Use as a pizza base for a peppery twist — sprinkle mozzarella and prosciutto for a grown‑up version.
- Serve with toasted ravioli or garlic bread for dipping — the bold sauce pairs perfectly with crunchy bites.
- For a full meal, grill or bake chicken breasts or sausage and top with this sauce and a side of roasted vegetables.
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Calabrian Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoon Calabrian chilis - chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 can crushed tomatoes - 28 ounces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, Calabrian chilis, oregano, and basil. Cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour in the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Once the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 20 minutes or longer.
- Serve over pasta, on pizza, or with toasted ravioli.
Notes
- 1 pound of dry pasta, serving 4 people or up to 5 smaller portions.
- 1 to 2 medium pizzas, depending on how saucy you like them.
- As a dipping sauce, it can serve 6 to 8 people alongside toasted ravioli, mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, or breadsticks.
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