This simple sauce copies what TGIFriday's serves and can be used on pasta or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or fried ravioli!
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Marinara Sauce

The name "marinara" means "mariner's style" or "sailor style" in Italian. The sauce is far more popular in American cooking than it is in Italy, and first appeared on American menus in the late 1940's. It's a simple tomato sauce made with crushed tomatoes, onions and garlic, and well seasoned with basil and/or oregano. "Alla marinara" refers to a dish served with the sauce.
The sauce has also become popular as a dipping sauce for breadsticks and fried foods such as mozzarella sticks or chicken fingers.
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history:
The sauce was used by Italian fishermen because it required minimal ingredients and preparation. It also had high acidity meaning it would keep well for long periods of time. It was primarily used with fish and seafood as the fishermen would drop their fresh prepared catch into the simmering sauce to cook. Now, it is served with both pasta and meats (pork, chicken, and seafood), and even used on pizza.
Copycat TGI Friday's Marinara Sauce
Spicy Slow Cooker Marinara Sauce
This spicy marinara sauce packs a punch with just a handful of ingredients. Made easily in a crock pot, this sauce combines tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a kick of...
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Merlot Marinara
Made with carrot, green bell pepper, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Merlot, water, fresh basil, fresh oregano, fresh thyme
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Slow Cooker Spinach Marinara Sauce
This spinach marinara sauce combines robust flavors of spinach, mushrooms, crushed tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper, simmered in the crock pot.
Method: crock pot
Time: 2-5 hours
Healthy Marinara Sauce
Made with cooking wine, fresh parsley, black pepper, Italian plum tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, salt
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
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Homemade Marinara Sauce
Made with salt and pepper, sugar, dried basil, olive oil, onions, garlic, whole peeled Italian plum tomatoes, dried oregano
Method: stovetop
Time: 30-60 minutes
Smoky Marinara
Made with Italian tomatoes, fire roasted Italian tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, fresh parsley, fresh oregano, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper
Method: stovetop
Time: under 30 minutes
Basil Marinara Sauce
Made with sugar, salt and pepper, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, tomatoes
Method: stovetop
Time: 1-2 hours
This iconic whiskey is a "Jack of all trades" when it comes to cooking. Toss it in some pasta, as a savory dipping sauce, and even bake it into something sweet.
What's the secret ingredient in these cakes? Pudding mix. It not only adds flavor but it gives the cake a richer, creamier texture. No one will know your secret ingredient!
If you're a fan of the menu at this American chain of restaurants which serves a variety of foods such as burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood then you'll love this collection of copycat recipes.












