Kittencal's Jazzed Up Pasta Sauce

Elevate your pasta night with Kittencal's Jazzed Up Pasta Sauce, a rich and flavorful homemade sauce that blends classic Italian ingredients with bold, customizable flair. This hearty sauce starts with sautéed onions and garlic, then layers depth with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a touch of sugar for balance. Optional ground beef and a splash of dry red wine add savory complexity, while a medley of dried herbs—basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes—infuses every bite with aromatic warmth. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley, this versatile sauce is perfect for draping over your favorite pasta or using as a base for lasagna. Quick to prepare and slow-simmered to perfection, this recipe offers unbeatable homemade comfort and a surefire way to impress your family or guests.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (optional)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 0.25 cup dry red wine (optional)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

If using ground beef, add it to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and diced tomatoes, combining well.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

If using red wine, add it now and stir well.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 10

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for added richness.

Step 11

Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2093.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2054.5

Total Fat 134.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 402.9mg	0%
Sodium 4031.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 105.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.1g	0%
Total Sugars 63.7g
Protein 112.7g	0%

Vitamin D 31.8IU	0%
Calcium 906.4mg	0%
Iron 24.3mg	0%
Potassium 5717.4mg	0%

*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: 58.2%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 20.2%