Quick Spaghetti Sauce
A quick and flavorful spaghetti sauce with tomato, herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Heat over medium heat; bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or fresh garlic to the mix. If you don't have all the dried herbs, you can substitute with an Italian herb blend. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. This sauce is versatile and can easily be enhanced with leftover vegetables or even protein, such as cooked ground meat for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
This quick spaghetti sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. It pairs beautifully with Three Cheese Spinach Roll-Ups for a delightful meal. For a complete dinner, serve with a side salad and garlic bread. You can also use it as a base for baked dishes, like lasagna or stuffed manicotti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover spaghetti sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 338 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (169% of the Daily Value), and calcium (136% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 47g 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 use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! To substitute, use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop and cook them down until they form a sauce. You may need to adjust the seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
How can I thicken the sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, you can simmer it longer to evaporate excess moisture. Alternatively, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water or a bit of tomato paste to achieve a thicker consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
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).