Kenny'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce
Kenny's favorite spaghetti sauce is a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce with bold flavors, perfect for hearty pasta meals suited for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (32 oz.) cartons Pomi strained tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 yellow onion, minced ⓘ
- 2 ribs celery with leaves, minced ⓘ
- 1 unpeeled carrot, grated ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon dried whole oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried whole rosemary ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 2 whole cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Romano cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large stock pot, sauté onions, celery, grated carrot, and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, rosemary, basil, cloves, and black pepper. Mix to blend the herbs with the vegetable mixture.
- Add the strained tomatoes and Romano cheese to the pot and stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered or partially covered for 2 hours.
- Store in a plastic or glass container, never aluminum.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine during the simmering process. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, include a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs are ideal, but if unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for each tablespoon of fresh. This sauce can also be adapted for vegetarian recipes by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This spaghetti sauce pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For an Italian-themed dinner, serve it over al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta. You can also use it as a base for dishes like Working Parent'S Overnight Lasagna or Good For You Pizza. Top with additional Romano cheese or fresh basil just before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kenny'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 990 calories, with 37g protein, 222g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (457% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 128g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 develops deeper flavors when made in advance. You can prepare it a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. It also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy it later without losing quality.
What can I substitute for Romano cheese?
If you can't find Romano cheese, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative due to its similar flavor profile. Parmesan cheese can also work, although it’s milder. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too runny?
If your sauce turns out too watery, you can simmer it uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, blending in a small amount of tomato paste can also help thicken it while enhancing the tomato flavor.
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).