Best Homemade Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious sugar-free spaghetti sauce recipe, this is the one for you. This homemade sauce is made with simple ingredients. It’s a great way to avoid the added sugar often found in store-bought sauces.
How to Make Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce
So, sugar is a major cause of inflammation. And my teenage daughter lives with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
I’m always on the lookout for foods and recipes suitable for people who need a low-inflammatory diet. Although, trying to get her to eat them is another story.
But this sauce was a winner. And actually, making sugar-free spaghetti sauce at home is easier than you might think.
You can create a flavorful tomato-based sauce perfect for the whole family using pantry staples like crushed tomatoes and olive oil. Serve it over my homemade four-cheese ravioli recipe if you really want to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. Go ahead and double or triple it if needed.
- 2 (28-ounce) cans of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes recommended for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
The first step is to prepare your ingredients and set up your cooking area. Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps to make a delicious sugar-free tomato sauce:
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the Italian flavors of this sauce.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to bloom the spices and release their aromas.
- Toss the tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the spices. Adjust the acidity of the tomatoes with a splash of red wine vinegar or a little water if needed.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. For extra richness, add tomato paste or a secret ingredient like a touch of avocado oil.
Possible Additions for Leftovers
One of the best things about this homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is its adaptability for using leftover cooked vegetables. Adding these vegetables not only prevents food waste but also boosts the nutritional value of the sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Stir in leftover roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a hearty, flavorful twist. I tried mashing up leftover parmesan carrots and adding them to the sauce. It was delicious.
- Cooked Greens: Add leftover spinach, kale from yesterday’s chicken kale salad, or Swiss chard to the sauce for a nutrient-packed meal.
- Grated Vegetables: Choose grated carrots or parsnips for a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Leftover Tomato Paste: If you’re like me, you likely have all sorts of half-used tomato paste cans in your fridge or freezer. Add a tablespoon to the sauce for a tomato flavor boost.
These additions are a great way to customize the sauce and use what you already have in the fridge. Just remember to consider how these additions could impact any food restrictions your family needs, such as an anti-inflammatory diet.
Possible Substitutions for Sugar
If you find this recipe just a little too tart for your tastebuds, consider alternatives to sugar in your spaghetti sauce. Store-bought sauces often contain added sugar, but there are plenty of ways to naturally sweeten your homemade spaghetti sauce.
- Fresh tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher taste, substitute crushed tomatoes with whole tomatoes and blend them with an immersion blender or food processor.
- Fresh herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor. These herbs are high in vitamin C and add brightness to the sauce.
- Vegetables: Incorporate grated carrots or chopped onion to naturally balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Avocado oil: Use this instead of olive oil for a unique twist.
How to Store Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade sauce is a great recipe for meal prep and later use. Proper storage ensures your sauce stays fresh and flavorful.
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for quick meals with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. This low-carb spaghetti sauce recipe freezes well and can be reheated for keto pizza, bolognese sauce, or keto meatballs.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if it thickens too much.
Try This Recipe Today
This sugar-free spaghetti sauce recipe is flexible and easily fits into meal planning. With ingredients like crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, it’s a great way to use up pantry staples while avoiding the added sugar in store-bought options.
Whether it’s your first time making a sugar-free spaghetti sauce or you’re a seasoned cook, this recipe is a good choice. Either way, this recipe is a delicious addition to your kitchen.
Add it to your favorite keto pasta sauce recipes or as a base for meat sauce to satisfy your taste buds, wallet, and whole family.
Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe FAQs
Have questions about making sugar-free spaghetti sauce? Here are some of the most common ones. If you don’t see your question here, leave it in the comments below.
What can I pair this sauce with?
This sauce pairs well with low-carb pasta like spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles, making it a great choice for those on a keto diet. For a heartier option, serve it with ground turkey, ground beef, or Italian sausage for a keto marinara sauce. And if you’re a carb-lover, slice up some artisan cheese bread to round out this meal.
Can I double this recipe for a big batch?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a big batch. It’s ideal for meal prep, and you can freeze extra portions for later use in different recipes like pizza sauce or traditional pasta dishes.
How do I reduce the carb count even more?
To lower the carb count, use fresh whole tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes and skip the tomato paste that I mentioned as a possible addition. This keeps the grams of net carbs to a minimum while delivering a rich, healthy spaghetti sauce.
Best Homemade Sugar-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cans 28-ounce cans of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes recommended for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- The first step is to prepare your ingredients and set up your cooking area. Once you have everything ready, follow these simple steps to make a delicious sugar-free tomato sauce:
- Heat the oil: Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. A drizzle of olive oil enhances the Italian flavors of this sauce.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to bloom the spices and release their aromas.
- Incorporate the tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine with the spices. Adjust the acidity of the tomatoes with a splash of red wine vinegar or a little water if needed.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. For extra richness, add tomato paste or a secret ingredient like a touch of avocado oil.
Nutrition
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