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.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to distribute the seasonings.
Pour in the water to thin out the sauce slightly, and stir to combine.
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.
Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.
Serve the sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
135 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 6.9 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1 g | 11% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 6 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 615 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 14.2 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.8 g | ||
| Protein | 5.7 g | 11% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 133 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 578 mg | 12% | |
*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.
