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Spicy marinara sauce over gluten-free pasta is a healthier version to your even day pasta meal. Comfort food with healthy ingredients.

When it comes to comfort food, pasta is at the top of my list. This spicy marinara sauce over gluten-free pasta is such a versatile dish with many different types of sauces and ingredients pairing nicely with it.
My all-time favorite type of pasta sauce is marinara which is the sauce I made here. Marinara with a kick!
Since I enjoy spicy food, I made this sauce spicy, but the spice level can be brought down to zero if that is the preference too. I use red pepper flakes to kick up the spice in this sauce, so less can be added, or none at all.
The sauce will taste delicious regardless. I also use a gluten-free pasta which makes this dish completely gluten-free.

What are the benefits of eating marinara sauce?
Marinara is a simple, tomato-based sauce. It’s lower in calories per serving than other types of pasta sauces like pesto and Alfredo. Most tomato-based sauces are low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free and packed with lycopene.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Perfect for those who don’t eat gluten
- Can be made with your favorite pasta
- Sauce that can be adjusted to spice level preference

Ingredients
What you’ll need to make this recipe.
- Gluten-free pasta (like Banza)
- Marinara sauce
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Green bell pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
How to make this recipe
1 – Dice up onion, green pepper, and garlic cloves and sauté them in a pan heated with olive oil. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
2 – Once the vegetables are soft, add in a jar of marinara sauce and the seasonings, and let simmer for about 15 minutes. When adding in the seasonings, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes.
3 – While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package directions. I use Banza bowtie pasta, but any pasta works.
4 – Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add to the sauce and toss well. You can also plate the pasta, and add a scoop of sauce to the top as well.
I recommend serving immediately while the pasta is still warm.

How do you keep gluten-free pasta from sticking together?
As soon as you drop the pasta into boiling water, stir it. Keep stirring until the pasta no longer settles to the bottom of the pot. Serve immediately after draining cooked pasta from water.
How do I store cooked pasta and sauce?
Cooked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
It’s best to store the sauce separately.
How do I reheat cooked pasta?
To reheat, drop the pasta in boiling water for a few seconds and drain.
Calories per serving (1 1/2 cup): 365
Spicy Marinara Sauce Over Gluten-Free Pasta

Spicy marinara sauce over gluten-free pasta is a healthier version to your even day pasta meal. Comfort food with healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves, garlic, minced
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces bowtie gluten-free pasta
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Saute the onion and bell pepper until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute for another minute.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and seasonings, stir well. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- While sauce is simmering, cook pasta according to package directions. Serve pasta warm with marinara sauce.
Notes
Top with parmesan cheese, if desired.
I use Banza brand pasta.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 365Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 662mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 13gSugar: 17gProtein: 19g
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Other gluten-free recipes you’ll love
Gluten-Free Cold Italian Pasta Salad
Oven Baked Cilantro Lime Salmon
Fish Tacos with Skinny Chipotle Sauce
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later!


Jas @ All that's Jas
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
I can never say no to a good pasta dish. This one is super simple and delicious!
simplylowcal
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Thank you! :)
Sara Welch
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Always a favorite dish in our home; looks delicious! Adding to my dinner line up for the week!
simplylowcal
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Thanks, Sara! :)
Anita
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
I love the spicy note on this marinara sauce. This is such a nice meal for busy days. :)
simplylowcal
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Thanks, the spicy gives the sauce a great kick. :)
Candice
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
So much yum! This recipe was not only easy to make, but packed with flavor. Loved making my own sauce, too... and thanks for introducing me to gluten free pasta!
simplylowcal
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Thanks, Candice. :)
Andrea Metlika
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
This Gluten free pasta is perfect for my family. It looks marvelous.
simplylowcal
Wednesday 20th of November 2019
Thanks! :)