Jenny'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: Italian

A flavorful, hearty spaghetti sauce featuring garlic, onion, fresh tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that highlights bright, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients

  • olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic
  • 1 onion
  • 20 oz. firm tofu, drained and crumbled
  • 20 oz. fresh tomatoes or 2 large cans of tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch Chinese parsley
  • 20 leaves basil (fresh or dried)
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. On medium heat, sauté garlic and onion in a saucepan.
  2. Add crumbled tofu and chopped tomatoes to the saucepan.
  3. Add bay leaves, chopped parsley, and basil, then heat until bubbly.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes work well; just be sure to drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid. You can also substitute tofu with lentils for a different protein source. Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions

This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with Fettuccine With Minted Tomato Sauce or your favorite pasta. Serve it alongside a fresh salad dressed with Healthy Italian Dressing for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables or serving it over zoodles for a low-carb option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jenny'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 865 calories, with 34g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (204% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (187% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 961mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).

865 kcal 43% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 34.3g 69% DV
Total Fat 33.5g 43% DV
Carbs 151.2g 55% DV
Fiber 57.2g 100% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 960.9mg 42% DV
Potassium 4390.1mg 93% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 820.2mcg 91% DV
Vitamin C 168.1mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 1538mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce tastes even better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld together. Just make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this spaghetti sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What can I serve with this spaghetti sauce?

This sauce goes perfectly with any pasta, but it also complements Italian Vegetables or a side of garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve it with a light salad or some roasted vegetables.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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