Description
A classic homemade spaghetti sauce recipe that combines aromatic sautéed onions and garlic with rich crushed tomatoes and herbs, simmered to perfection. This versatile Italian sauce is perfect for topping your favorite pasta dishes and can be customized with a little heat or sweetness to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup water (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Incorporate tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, which deepens the sauce’s flavor and richness.
- Add tomatoes and liquid: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with water or vegetable broth, stirring to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to ensure seasoning is distributed.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop the flavors fully.
- Finish with basil: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the aroma before turning off the heat.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Simmering longer will result in a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
- Vegetable broth can be used instead of water to add more depth to the flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: homemade spaghetti sauce, tomato pasta sauce, Italian sauce, easy pasta sauce, vegetarian spaghetti sauce
