Special Spaghetti Sauce
A rich, sweet and savory spaghetti sauce with Italian herbs and a hint of heat, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Customizable and easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour spaghetti sauce into a saucepan.
- Rinse the jar out with about 1/2 cup of water and add it to the saucepan.
- Shake in all of the spices: Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, hot red pepper flakes, and garlic powder.
- Add the brown sugar to the sauce.
- Mix all ingredients together thoroughly.
- Simmer on very, very low heat for at least 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer longer; you can even prepare it a day in advance to deepen the taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the brown sugar to your liking. You can also substitute the spaghetti sauce with homemade marinara or use a low-sugar version for a healthier option. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can enhance the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this special spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. For a twist, try it with stuffed shells or as a base for a pizza. Consider serving it alongside Tomato And Green Beans for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This sauce also freezes well; just cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Special Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 581 calories, with 18g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 562mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can replace dried herbs with fresh ones! Use three times the amount of fresh herbs to achieve a similar flavor. Fresh basil and oregano will add a vibrant taste to the sauce, enhancing its overall freshness.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot red pepper flakes or add some diced fresh chili peppers. You can also consider a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This spaghetti sauce is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat. For vegan recipes, just ensure the spaghetti sauce you use is free from any added dairy or meat products.
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).