Spicy Spaghetti Sauce

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Italian

A flavorful spicy spaghetti sauce with tomatoes, herbs, and red pepper flakes, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a robust, comforting meal with a kick.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, cut up and drained
  • 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/4 tsp. fennel seed
  • 1/4 tsp. basil leaves
  • 1/8 tsp. marjoram leaves
  • 1/8 tsp. thyme leaves
  • 1/8 tsp. oregano
  • 1/8 tsp. crushed red peppers

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large kettle.
  2. Simmer at least 30 minutes, stirring frequently.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the kettle before simmering. If fresh herbs are available, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for the dried versions. Adjust the crushed red peppers based on your spice preference, or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. This recipe can also be used as a base for Omi'S Spaghetti Sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this spicy spaghetti sauce over your favorite pasta, such as linguine or spaghetti, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with Italian Style Asparagus or Peasant Spaghetti for a complete meal. For a heartier dish, consider adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini directly into the sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spicy Spaghetti Sauce contains roughly 575 calories, with 19g protein, 149g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (310% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 87g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

575 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19g 38% DV
Total Fat 8.8g 11% DV
Carbs 148.6g 54% DV
Fiber 86.8g 100% DV
Sugar 9g 18% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 132.7mg 6% DV
Potassium 2673.5mg 57% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 191.8mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 27.8mg 31% DV
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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

What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?

If your sauce turns out too acidic, you can balance the flavors by adding a pinch of sugar or a small amount of baking soda. This will neutralize some of the acidity. Additionally, incorporating grated carrots can also help sweeten the sauce naturally.

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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