Description
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a robust, classic Italian-inspired tomato sauce simmered with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of olive oil. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta, this sauce is easy to make, uses pantry staples, and delivers deep, savory flavor that elevates any meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Sauce Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 small can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
For Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Mix well to combine, ensuring the tomato paste is fully dissolved into the sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Simmer and Develop Flavor: Bring the sauce to a low simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar as needed. Stir in fresh parsley if using. If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the warm sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta and top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- This sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a richer taste, add a splash of red wine during simmering.
- For a meaty version, brown 1 pound of ground beef or sausage with the onions and garlic before adding tomatoes.
- Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Start with less salt if using salted canned tomatoes and adjust as the sauce cooks down.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
