spicy tomato sauce recipe

The Best spicy tomato sauce recipe

I’ve been making this spicy tomato sauce recipe for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to make, but packed with flavor. I love how the spices and tomatoes come together to create a rich, velvety sauce that’s perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

My kids always ask for seconds, and my husband loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread on the side. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make and customize to your taste.

I like to add in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat, but you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking. This recipe has become a go-to for me whenever I need a quick and delicious meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this spicy tomato sauce is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

I’ve served it at family gatherings, potlucks, and even just on a Tuesday night when we’re feeling lazy. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – this sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, including fresh tomatoes and herbs, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.

Plus, it freezes beautifully, so you can make a big batch and store it for later use. In short, this spicy tomato sauce recipe is a winner in every way.

Spicy Tomato Sauce

4.9 from 1356 votes

This spicy tomato sauce is rich, aromatic, and perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. It combines ripe tomatoes with chili flakes and garlic for a bold kick.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
4Stir well to combine and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat.
5Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6The sauce should thicken slightly and deepen in color.
7Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh basil.
8Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 14g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 2g

📝Notes

For a milder sauce, reduce red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon. This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Tomato Sauce Works

To store this spicy tomato sauce, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

When you are ready to use it, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it is too thick. This sauce works well for family gatherings because it is easy to double and everyone loves the kick.

Serve it over pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated parmesan. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for garlic bread or as a base for baked eggs.

It is a reliable recipe that always delivers big flavor with little effort.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Tomato Sauce

1. Can I make this spicy tomato sauce ahead of time?

Yes, this sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

2. How can I make the sauce less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use fewer red pepper flakes or omit the cayenne pepper entirely. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the spice. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

3. What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

San Marzano tomatoes are ideal because they are sweet and low in acidity. If you cannot find them, use any good quality whole peeled tomatoes. Crushed tomatoes also work but will give a slightly different texture.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use about 2 pounds of ripe Roma tomatoes. Blanch them to remove the skins, then chop them before adding to the pan. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken it.

5. What dishes pair well with this spicy tomato sauce?

This sauce is fantastic with any pasta, especially spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. It also works as a pizza sauce, a base for shakshuka, or a dip for crusty bread. For a heartier meal, add cooked ground meat or lentils.

6. How do I store leftovers and reheat them?

Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Similar Posts