Tired of bland, store-bought pasta sauces that leave you craving something more? Get ready to transform your pasta nights with this incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce! In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that's packed with fresh flavors, nutritious ingredients, and will have your family begging for seconds. This isn't just a sauce - it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop to ensure you have everything you need for the recipe.
- In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute, ensuring it coats the bottom of the pan evenly.
- Add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Once the onion is softened, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor.
- Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate any flavorful bits that may have stuck during cooking.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- After the sauce has simmered, taste it again and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
- Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat. Serve it over your favorite cooked pasta, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to an amazing sauce is using high-quality, fresh ingredients. Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes and fresh garlic for the best taste.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Simmering the sauce on low heat allows the flavors to develop and intensify. Be patient and let the magic happen!
- Herb Hack: If possible, use fresh herbs instead of dried for an even more vibrant flavor. A handful of fresh basil can make a world of difference.
- Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add your personal touch - try adding a splash of red wine, some red pepper flakes for heat, or even a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Storage Tip: This sauce freezes beautifully! Make a double batch and store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, giving you a quick and delicious meal option anytime.
- Bonus Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a Parmesan cheese rind while simmering the sauce, then remove before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
