Quick Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

If you’ve ever wished for a simple, comforting spaghetti sauce that you can whip up in no time but still tastes like it simmered for hours, this recipe is your new best friend. With familiar ingredients and a cozy blend of herbs, this sauce hits all the right notes without keeping you tethered to the stove.

Tags / Categories

• Flavor Profile: Savory, herbaceous, mildly sweet
• Main Ingredients: Tomatoes, garlic, onion, olive oil, Italian herbs
• Region: Italian-American classic
• Usage: Pasta sauce, pizza base, dipping sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin works great)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (feel free to add an extra clove if you’re a garlic lover)
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 teaspoons tomato paste (optional but adds depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat your skillet: Pour the olive oil into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion. Stir occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent – about 5 minutes. Your kitchen will start smelling like the Italian countryside now!
2. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is the enemy of any good sauce.
3. Tomatoes and tomato paste: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the tomato paste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors.
4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Stir it all together, bring to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat.
5. Let it cook: Allow the sauce to gently bubble uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Don’t stress if it’s a little chunky – that’s part of the charm!
6. Final touch: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Maybe a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper. Pull it off the heat and sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic spaghetti: Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and top with shaved Parmesan.
• Meatball sub sauce: Spoon it over meatballs and melt mozzarella on top for an epic sandwich.
• Pizza base sauce: Spread it on your dough for a quick homemade pizza.
• Vegetable bake: Layer with roasted veggies and cheese for a saucy casserole.

Origin & History

Spaghetti sauce, also known as marinara, has roots that stretch back to southern Italy, where fresh tomatoes, herbs, and garlic blend into a simple yet memorable sauce. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, where it evolved into the beloved spaghetti sauce many of us grew up on. While traditional versions simmer for hours, the quick homemade style captures that essence perfectly for busy weeknights.

Variations & Substitutions

If you’re feeling adventurous or need to accommodate diets, here are a few easy tweaks:

• Chunky sauce: Add diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for texture.
• Vegan friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, just double-check your tomato paste for additives.
• Low-sodium: Skip added salt and use no-salt canned tomatoes.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a hearty twist.
• Herb swaps: Try fresh rosemary or thyme if you want a different herbal note.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Finished sauce? Great—here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate: Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. Stir frequently.
• Meal prep tip: This sauce freezes beautifully in single portions, perfect for quick dinners.

Nutritional Information (Per 1/2 Cup Serving)

• Calories: ~70 kcal
• Fat: 4.5 g (from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Sugar: 5 g (natural from tomatoes)

Related Sauces / Try Next

• Classic Marinara Sauce – A slightly simpler version with fewer herbs but just as versatile.
• Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce – For those who love a smooth, rich twist.
• Spicy Arrabbiata – Turn up the heat with chili peppers and garlic.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If you have ripe tomatoes on hand, blanch and peel them, then crush or puree. Keep in mind cooking fresh tomatoes may require a longer simmer to reach the right consistency.

Why add sugar to the sauce?
Tomatoes can be quite acidic, so a pinch of sugar balances that tang and rounds out the flavor nicely without making it sweet.

How thick should the sauce be?
It’s up to you! Some like it a bit saucier for coating the pasta, others prefer it thick and hearty. Just let it simmer to your desired consistency, adding a splash of water if it gets too thick.

There you have it—a no-fuss, heartwarming spaghetti sauce that’s ready whenever you crave a classic Italian meal without the wait. This quick homemade spaghetti sauce proves that sometimes, simple can be spectacular, and your kitchen really can smell like amore in less than 30 minutes. Give it a try and make it your own with all your favorite herb and seasoning tweaks. Buon appetito!