Nothing beats the taste of a homemade spaghetti sauce simmered to perfection. Bursting with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice, this sauce is a game-changer for pasta dishes. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or prepping for a cozy family meal, this versatile recipe will elevate your spaghetti nights. It’s simple to make and can be tailored to your taste, ensuring it becomes a household favorite.
Equipment:
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smoother sauce)
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti (for serving)
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. - Add Tomato Base
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir to combine. - Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together. - Season to Taste
Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Add salt and black pepper as needed. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender (optional). - Finish with Fresh Basil
Stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of brightness just before serving. - Serve
Toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve spaghetti topped with the sauce in individual bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a full Italian-inspired meal.
- Offer toppings like crushed red pepper flakes, grated cheese, or freshly ground black pepper on the side.
Tips:
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes if they’re in season for an even more robust flavor. Peel and dice them before cooking.
- For a richer sauce, add ½ cup of red wine during the sautéing phase.
- This sauce freezes well—make a double batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or meatballs for a heartier sauce.
Homemade spaghetti sauce is a delicious and versatile staple that’s perfect for pasta lovers. With its rich, tomato-forward flavor and customizable ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this sauce will bring warmth and comfort to the table. Serve it with pasta, bread, or even as a pizza sauce for endless possibilities!
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Learn how to make a rich and flavorful homemade spaghetti sauce from scratch! This recipe is perfect for pasta nights and is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
Equipment
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves chopped (optional)
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Add Tomato Base
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld together.
- Season to Taste
- Remove the bay leaf and taste the sauce. Add salt and black pepper as needed. For a smoother texture, blend the sauce using an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender (optional).
- Finish with Fresh Basil
- Stir in fresh basil leaves for a burst of brightness just before serving.
- Serve
- Toss the sauce with cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
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