Simple Spaghetti Sauce Recipe Using Tomato Sauce - Ready in 30 Min

The easiest way to make spaghetti sauce with tomato sauce is to simmer 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper for 20-25 minutes. For richer flavor, add 1/4 cup red wine and 1 tbsp tomato paste.

Transform basic tomato sauce into a restaurant-quality spaghetti sauce in just 30 minutes with this simple method perfected through years of professional kitchen experience. This approach delivers deep, complex flavors without requiring hard-to-find ingredients or advanced techniques—perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something delicious fast.

Why This Tomato Sauce Method Works Better

Most home cooks settle for bland spaghetti sauce because they simply heat store-bought tomato sauce without layering flavors. Professional chefs know that building flavor requires three critical steps: sautéing aromatics, developing depth with tomato paste, and simmering with proper seasoning. This method incorporates all three while keeping preparation time under 30 minutes.

Tomato Base Type	Flavor Profile	Best For	Simmer Time
Plain Tomato Sauce	Mild, slightly sweet	Quick weeknight meals	20-25 minutes
Tomato Sauce + Paste	Rich, concentrated	Heartier dishes	25-30 minutes
Tomato Sauce + Wine	Complex, balanced	Special occasions	30-35 minutes

Essential Ingredients Checklist

You likely have most of these pantry staples already. The measurements below create enough sauce for 1 pound of spaghetti:

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (preferably no salt added)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3-4 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water or red wine (for deglazing)

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Preparation Phase (5 minutes)

Mince your garlic and onion while gathering all ingredients. Having everything ready before heating your pan prevents burning and ensures smooth cooking. Professional kitchens call this mise en place—the foundation of efficient cooking.

Cooking Timeline: Building Flavor Layers

Follow this precise cooking sequence for optimal flavor development:

1. 0-3 minutes: Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
2. 3-5 minutes: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute)—don't let garlic brown.
3. 5-7 minutes: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, creating a flavor foundation.
4. 7-10 minutes: Deglaze pan with water or red wine, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
5. 10-25 minutes: Add tomato sauce, dried herbs, salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

These professional techniques transform basic sauce into something extraordinary:

• Garlic timing matters: Adding garlic too early causes bitterness. Wait until onions are translucent before adding.
• Tomato paste is key: Cooking it for 2 minutes before adding liquid caramelizes natural sugars, adding depth.
• Simmer uncovered: Allows sauce to thicken properly without becoming watery.
• Finish with fresh herbs: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh basil just before serving for vibrant flavor.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps sauce cling to spaghetti—add 1/4 cup when combining.

When This Method Works Best (And When to Choose Alternatives)

This quick tomato sauce method excels in specific situations but has limitations:

• Ideal for: Weeknight dinners, beginners, limited pantry situations, when time is constrained
• Not ideal for: Special occasions requiring complex flavors, when fresh tomatoes are in season, for meat-based sauces needing longer simmering
• Texture note: For chunkier sauce, add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of simmering

Serving and Storage Guidelines

Toss with freshly cooked spaghetti using tongs to coat evenly. The USDA recommends keeping tomato-based sauces at 140°F or above when serving to maintain food safety (USDA Food Safety Guidelines).

Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Properly stored tomato sauce maintains quality according to National Center for Home Food Preservation standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, tomato sauce works well as a base but creates a smoother texture than crushed tomatoes. For texture variation, add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

How do I thicken spaghetti sauce made with tomato sauce?
Simmer uncovered for additional 5-10 minutes to reduce liquid. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir into simmering sauce.

Can I make this spaghetti sauce vegetarian?
This basic recipe is naturally vegetarian. For meatless richness, add 1/2 cup cooked lentils or mushrooms during the last 15 minutes of simmering.

Why does my spaghetti sauce taste too acidic?
Tomato acidity varies by brand. Balance with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda or 1 teaspoon sugar. Add gradually while tasting until desired balance is achieved.

How can I make spaghetti sauce with tomato sauce taste more homemade?
Add fresh herbs at the end, use high-quality olive oil, include a Parmesan rind while simmering, or finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar for complexity.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes for spaghetti sauce?

Yes, tomato sauce works well as a base but creates a smoother texture than crushed tomatoes. For texture variation, add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.