Zesty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this Zesty Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, a vibrant and flavor-packed recipe that's bursting with fresh, aromatic ingredients. This savory sauce combines the richness of crushed tomatoes and tomato paste with the subtle sweetness of granulated sugar, perfectly balanced by fragrant dried oregano, basil, and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for just the right kick. Sautéed garlic and onions create a robust base, while a Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended) adds an extra layer of depth and umami. Ready in under an hour, this sauce is simmered to perfection, creating a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or any pasta dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and serve up a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're serving a family dinner or prepping for meal plans, this easy-to-make sauce is guaranteed to elevate your Italian-inspired creations!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

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
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Water
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 piece Parmesan rind (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and water to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Mix in the sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

For extra depth of flavor, add a Parmesan rind to the sauce (optional).

Step 7

Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 8

Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Remove the Parmesan rind, if used, and discard.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving over your favorite pasta or storing for later use.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1258.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	675.3

Total Fat 38.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 28mg	0%
Sodium 3863.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.7g	0%
Total Sugars 42.7g
Protein 22.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 511.9mg	0%
Iron 7.5mg	0%
Potassium 2263.6mg	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: 47.7%

Protein: 12.2%

Carbs: 40.1%