29-Minute Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Ditch the store-bought jar for this easy spaghetti sauce recipe, made in under 30 minutes! It’s delicious, gluten free & vegan!

I’ve been making this spaghetti sauce for years to toss with pasta, top chicken parmesan, and spread over pizza — so I decided it was about time it got its own post. Making your own spaghetti sauce from scratch is simple, faster than you think, and far more flavorful than most store-bought jars. This recipe takes about 5–10 minutes of prep and 20–25 minutes to simmer, delivering a rich, well-rounded tomato sauce in roughly 29 minutes total.

Ingredients you’ll need

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (28 oz) diced peeled plum tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• ¼ cup red wine
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt

Step by step instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or a heavy pot (such as a Dutch oven) over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced peeled plum tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Mix well to combine the paste evenly.
4. Add the chopped basil, dried parsley, black pepper, oregano, and salt. Stir to distribute the herbs and seasonings.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Ways to use the sauce

This easy spaghetti sauce is incredibly versatile. Make a big batch and use it across multiple meals during the week. Here are some favorite uses:

• Traditional spaghetti, tossed with al dente pasta and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Homemade pizza base sauce — spread thinly on dough before adding toppings and cheese.
• Lasagna layers — pair with ricotta, mozzarella, and cooked noodles for a classic bake.
• Ravioli or tortellini topper — warm the sauce and spoon over filled pastas for a quick dinner.
• Meatballs or baked meatball dishes — simmer meatballs in the sauce for added flavor.
• Chicken parmesan or eggplant parmesan — spoon and bake with cheese for a comforting entree.
• Stuffed peppers or calzones — use the sauce inside or as a dipping sauce on the side.

Tips & variations

• Adjust thickness: For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra 5–10 minutes. For a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or vegetable broth.
• Onion option: If you like a sweeter, more rounded base, sauté half a small chopped onion with the garlic until translucent before adding the tomatoes.
• Red wine alternatives: If you prefer not to use wine, substitute with beef or vegetable broth or an equal amount of water plus a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Herb swaps: Swap fresh basil for a teaspoon of dried basil if fresh isn’t available. Fresh herbs added at the end brighten the sauce.
• Make it smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke for a subtle smoky undertone.
• Vegan & gluten free: This sauce is naturally vegan and gluten free when using plain canned tomatoes and standard pantry spices.

Storage & make-ahead

This sauce stores beautifully. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency.

To reheat, simmer over low heat until warmed through and taste for seasoning; sometimes a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon brightens frozen sauce after thawing.

Recipe details

Recipe name: 29 Minute Spaghetti Sauce

Servings: About 6 cups of sauce

Prep time: 9 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 29 minutes

Nutrition

Per serving (approximate): Calories 116 kcal.