Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this rich and flavorful Italian Spaghetti Sauce, the ultimate homemade alternative to store-bought marinara. Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and olive oil, this sauce is elevated with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil for an authentic Italian touch. A hint of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while optional red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. Simmered to perfection over low heat, the sauce develops a deep, robust flavor that's ideal for pairing with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice. Finish it off with fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in under an hour, this easy, versatile recipe serves as your go-to classic spaghetti sauce for comforting, homemade Italian meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can canned crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 can canned tomato paste (6 oz)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to distribute the seasonings.

Step 6

Pour in the water to thin out the sauce slightly, and stir to combine.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

Step 9

Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	554.5 grams (554.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	860

Total Fat 61.50g	79%
Saturated Fat 25.70g	129%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 4188mg	182%
Total Carbohydrate 30.50g	11%
Dietary Fiber 4.30g	15%
Total Sugars 12.80g
Protein 48.60g	97%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1402mg	108%
Iron 2mg	12%
Potassium 637mg	14%

*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: 63.6%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 14.0%