Copycat Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce

This Copycat Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce is rich, tangy, and full of authentic Italian flavor. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for pasta, dipping breadsticks, or topping your favorite dishes.

Skip the restaurant and make the same bold, flavorful marinara at home with this Copycat Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce.

Bursting with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, it’s easy to whip up and tastes just like the classic version you love, making any pasta night or appetizer feel extra special.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Tastes just like the classic Cheesecake Factory version at home.
• Versatile: Perfect for pasta, pizza, dipping breadsticks, or topping meats.
• Fresh Ingredients: Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for authentic flavor.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal prep.
• Customizable: Adjust seasoning, herbs, or spice level to suit your taste.

Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil for rich, savory flavor base.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic, minced to enhance aroma and depth.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Ripe, canned crushed tomatoes for thick, flavorful sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato paste for bold, rich tomato taste.
• Dried Oregano: Classic dried oregano adds earthy, Italian-inspired flavor notes.
• Dried Basil: Sweet, fragrant dried basil to deepen the sauce flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all flavors naturally.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper for mild, spicy warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds subtle heat and depth for extra flavor.
• Sugar (optional): Balances acidity of tomatoes for smoother taste.

How To Make Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Step 2: Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing until fully combined. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or sugar. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 3: Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remove from heat. Serve hot with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Cheesecake Factory Marinara Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use Quality Tomatoes: Opt for good-quality canned crushed tomatoes for richer flavor.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
• Simmer Low and Slow: Let the sauce cook gently to develop deep, balanced flavors.
• Adjust Sweetness: A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Customize the Heat: Add red pepper flakes if you like a little spice.
• Fresh Herbs Option: Swap dried basil and oregano for fresh for a brighter flavor.
• Make Ahead: The sauce tastes even better after sitting for a few hours or overnight.
• Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating Instructions

• Storing: Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days for best flavor.
• Freezing: Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. For a quicker option, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30–45 seconds until hot.

Cheesecake Factory Spaghetti Sauce Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, but peeled, ripe tomatoes work best. You may need to cook longer to reach the right consistency.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better after a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the sauce? Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I adjust the seasoning? Definitely! Add extra garlic, herbs, or red pepper flakes to match your taste preferences.

Is this sauce vegetarian? Yes, this marinara sauce contains no meat and is suitable for vegetarians.

How do I know when the sauce is done? The sauce is ready when it thickens slightly, the flavors are well blended, and it has a rich, aromatic aroma.

Can I use this sauce for pizza? Yes, it works perfectly as a pizza sauce or for dipping breadsticks, as well as for pasta.

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