Nutrition per serving
Ingredients
Preparation
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1
Pour the tomato sauce into a small saucepan and place over medium-low heat. Bring it just to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.
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2
While the tomato sauce is heating, add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, dried celery flakes, ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, MSG (if using), cornstarch (if using), and citric acid (if using) to a small bowl.
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3
Stir the dry ingredients together until thoroughly combined, breaking up any small lumps of cornstarch or spices with the back of a spoon.
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4
Once the tomato sauce is simmering gently, reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk the mixed dry ingredients into the sauce, whisking constantly to prevent clumping, especially if you’re using cornstarch.
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5
Continue to simmer the sauce over low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
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6
Serve the hot sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, or use as a base for other dishes like baked pasta or pizza.
Quick Pantry Spaghetti Sauce
This recipe, inspired by home cook Steven Minogue, is all about taking basic canned tomato sauce and transforming it into a savory, satisfying spaghetti sauce using only dried seasonings. No chopping, no long simmer times—just a few smart pantry ingredients and a little gentle cooking.
Why this spaghetti sauce works
- Pantry-only: Uses dried onion, garlic, celery, basil, oregano, and black pepper—ideal when you’re out of fresh produce.
- Balanced flavor: A touch of sugar softens the acidity of the tomatoes, while optional citric acid adds a bright tang if you like a little extra zip.
- Customizable: MSG and cornstarch are optional—skip them or use them depending on your preferences. You can easily boost heat, herbs, or garlic to taste.
- Fast, but tastes simmered: A gentle 10–15 minute simmer lets the dried spices bloom and meld into the sauce, giving a more developed flavor than just stirring and serving.
Serving and pairing ideas
- Classic spaghetti: Toss with hot spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape; finish with grated Parmesan or Pecorino and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Meat add-ins: Brown ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage, then stir this sauce in and simmer for 5 extra minutes.
- Baked dishes: Use as a quick base for baked ziti, lasagna, or stuffed shells.
- Pizza or flatbread: Let the sauce cool and spread a thin layer on pizza dough or flatbreads before topping and baking.
- Vegetable topper: Spoon over roasted zucchini, eggplant, or spaghetti squash for a lighter meal.
Spice spotlight This recipe leans on herbs and aromatics rather than fresh vegetables:
- Organic Onion Powder and Organic Garlic Powder bring that slow-cooked flavor in seconds.
- Organic Oregano and dried basil add classic Italian-inspired notes.
- Organic Black Pepper gives gentle kick and depth.
Because everything is dried, this sauce is incredibly consistent—great for weeknights when you want reliable results with minimal effort.
Tips for better taste
The spice behind this recipe.
Our organic onion powder brings the full aroma of fresh onions into your kitchen, without the tears. Milled from gent...
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