Quick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce
When time is of the essence but you still crave a delicious homemade spaghetti sauce, this Quick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce is the perfect answer! Crafted from pantry staples, this sauce combines the comforting flavors of tomatoes with aromatic herbs and just the right touch of sweetness and spice. Ready in under 30 minutes, it delivers a fresh, vibrant alternative to store-bought options, ideal for weeknight dinners or a satisfying lunch. Perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta or using as a base for other Italian dishes!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
Tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
Tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (to taste)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
2
Add the sugar, basil, oregano, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot.
3
Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
4
Cover the saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, simmering for 20-30 minutes.
5
Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more sugar or red pepper flakes based on your personal preference for sweetness and spice.
7
Serve hot over your choice of pasta or use as a base for other recipes.
Nutrition Information
1.7g
Fat
16.7g
Carbs
2.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce?
It is a homemade pasta sauce made from pantry staples like diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, flavored with herbs and spices.
How long does it take to prepare this sauce?
The sauce is ready in under 30 minutes, with a simmer time of approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Is this spaghetti sauce spicy?
It has a zesty kick from one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust this amount to suit your heat preference.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
Two tablespoons of sugar are used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and create a well-rounded flavor profile.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe calls for a combination of canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh basil and oregano; generally, use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 80 calories.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, the ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets.
How much fat is in the sauce?
The sauce is very low in fat, containing only 1.7 grams per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 16.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this as a base for other Italian dishes?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a base for lasagna, baked ziti, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Do I need to cook the tomatoes before mixing?
No, you combine the canned tomato products directly in a saucepan and simmer them together.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and provides a concentrated, deep tomato flavor.
Is the sauce gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned goods to be certain.
Should the sauce be simmered covered or uncovered?
The instructions recommend covering the saucepan while simmering over medium-low heat.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add browned ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage to make it a meat sauce.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can this spaghetti sauce be frozen?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
What if I want a smoother sauce?
If you prefer a smooth texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the diced tomatoes after the sauce has simmered.
How do I adjust the seasoning if it is too spicy?
If the sauce is too spicy, you can add a bit more tomato sauce or a small amount of extra sugar to neutralize the heat.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, this recipe is cholesterol-free.
Can I add fresh garlic?
Yes, sautéing fresh minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding the tomato ingredients will add even more flavor.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
It pairs well with any pasta, including spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or linguine.
Is there a lot of protein in this sauce?
The sauce provides 2.7 grams of protein per serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours for a more developed flavor.
What if I don't have dried oregano?
You can substitute with Italian seasoning, which usually contains oregano, or simply use extra basil.
Is this sauce better than store-bought jars?
Many find it fresher and more vibrant because it lacks the preservatives found in many commercial options.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmering it uncovered for the last 10 minutes will allow some moisture to evaporate, thickening the consistency.
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of granulated sugar.
Is it necessary to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, stirring occasionally prevents the tomato paste from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.