Name: Hearty Vegetarian Spicy Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 2 (10 ounce) cans zesty diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste; 0.5 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Transform your weeknight with this vibrant and flavorful meatless spaghetti sauce! Bursting with the sweetness of tomatoes, the subtle bite of red pepper flakes, and aromatic herbs, this sauce is a vegetarian delight that's ready in minutes. Serve over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

5 mins

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

02

Step

25 mins

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

03

Step

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 25 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.

04

Step

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika during the simmering process.
If you have fresh herbs on hand, substitute 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano for the dried herbs.
This sauce can be easily doubled or tripled for meal prepping or freezing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Afton Barrows

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.