How to make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce?

The key to a great easy spaghetti recipe is a flavorful homemade sauce. Start by sautéing garlic and onion in olive oil, then add crushed tomatoes, herbs like basil and oregano, and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes. Want all the step-by-step details? Check out my full guide on How to Make Homemade Spaghetti Sauce .

What is the one ingredient I never skip when making spaghetti sauce?

Garlic—always. It’s the flavor foundation for any good sauce. Whether it’s fresh, roasted, or infused in oil, garlic brings warmth, depth, and a savory base that makes any easy spaghetti recipe pop with flavor.

What to add to plain spaghetti?

You don’t need much. A little olive oil, butter, Parmesan, chili flakes, or lemon zest can take plain spaghetti to the next level. Even leftover veggies or a fried egg can turn it into a quick, satisfying easy spaghetti recipe with no fuss.

What is the trick for spaghetti?

There are a few tricks every great easy spaghetti recipe follows: salt your water like the sea, never rinse the noodles, save some pasta water, and always finish the pasta in the sauce. These small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.

Easy Spaghetti Recipe – The Best 10-Minute Comfort Pasta

Name: Easy Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz dried spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3–4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: sugar, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese

Description

This easy spaghetti recipe is your go-to for busy nights and cozy dinners. It uses simple pantry staples but delivers big flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want something no-fuss and satisfying, this spaghetti will hit the spot—every time.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz dried spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3–4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional: pinch of sugar, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, grated Parmesan

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Make the Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Simmer the Flavor

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a pinch of sugar or chili flakes if desired.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti and a splash of reserved pasta water to the sauce. Toss until noodles are well coated and the sauce thickens slightly.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan if you like. Enjoy your cozy, flavorful easy spaghetti recipe!

Notes

Don’t rinse the pasta after draining—it helps the sauce cling better.

Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier version.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

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