Heart-Healthy Spicy Tomato Sauce

Transform your meals with this bold and flavorful Heart-Healthy Spicy Tomato Sauce! This recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, and heart-friendly extra-virgin olive oil, making it both nutritious and delicious. A pinch of red chili flakes and optional smoky paprika elevate the sauce with a fiery kick, while a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness for depth. Perfectly seasoned with dried basil, oregano, and fresh parsley, this low-sodium sauce is simmered to perfection in just 25 minutes. Use it to top whole-grain pasta, roasted vegetables, or lean protein for a guilt-free dinner that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving it fresh, this versatile tomato sauce is sure to be a staple in your kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 83/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional, for additional smoky flavor)
• 2 tablespoons, finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon, or to taste ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring well to combine.

Step 5

Mix in the balsamic vinegar, dried basil, dried oregano, and paprika (if using).

Step 6

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7

Taste and season with ground black pepper as needed. Adjust spiciness by adding more red chili flakes, if desired.

Step 8

Remove from heat, stir in the fresh parsley, and serve warm over your favorite dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1001.5 grams (1001.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	557

Total Fat 29.00g	37%
Saturated Fat 3.80g	19%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 93mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate 73.30g	27%
Dietary Fiber 18.80g	67%
Total Sugars 41.00g
Protein 14.20g	28%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 238mg	18%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 2583mg	55%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.7%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 48.0%