Last Updated on January 7, 2024
Spaghetti is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. But it isn’t complete without a delicious sauce to smother it in. Prego spaghetti sauce is one of the most popular and beloved sauces for spaghetti, and it’s easy to see why.
With its rich, savory flavor and thick texture, it is the perfect complement to any spaghetti dish. If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to make your spaghetti even better, then you should definitely give this prego spaghetti sauce recipe a try.
What is Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
Prego, which means “You’re welcome!” in Italian, is a trademarked pasta sauce brand owned by the Campbell Soup Company. It was globally introduced in 1981.
One of their most popular items is the Prego spaghetti sauce. It is a popular brand of Italian-style tomato sauce. It is made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and other herbs and spices.
This combination of flavors creates a rich and savory sauce that is perfect for coating pasta dishes. Prego spaghetti sauces come in a variety of flavors, ranging from traditional marinara to more adventurous combinations like mushroom and garlic or alfredo.
Why You’ll Love This Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
This prego spaghetti sauce recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. You can also adjust the flavors to your own tastes by adding more or less of certain ingredients.
You can also make this sauce vegetarian or vegan by simply leaving out the meat, or adding in some vegan-friendly ingredients. The possibilities are endless!
Another great thing about this prego spaghetti sauce recipe is that it’s versatile. You can use it for more than just spaghetti. It can be used on pizzas, over lasagna, or even as a dip for breadsticks. You can also freeze it and have it on hand for a quick and easy meal.
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The Ingredients
- Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Mediterranean Olives: Olive oil not only acts as a medium for sautéing the onions and garlic but also adds a distinct Mediterranean flavor and a silky texture to the sauce.
- Dried Basil Leaves from the Countryside: Basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor that’s characteristic of Italian cuisine. It enhances the sauce with its aromatic and slightly sweet notes.
- Pink Himalayan Salt Crystals: Salt is a crucial ingredient that helps to balance and enhance all the flavors present in the sauce, bringing out the natural taste of the tomatoes and herbs while ensuring overall seasoning.
- Fragrant Dried Oregano Leaves: Oregano brings an herbaceous and slightly bitter taste that pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes. It contributes to the Italian-inspired flavor profile of the sauce.
- Air-Dried Parsley Flakes: Parsley adds a touch of freshness and a mild herbal flavor, complementing the other herbs and providing a subtle yet distinctive taste to the sauce.
- Locally-Sourced Golden Cane Sugar: Sugar is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavors. It helps to reduce the sharpness of the tomatoes and create a more well-rounded taste.
- Organic Ounces of Sun-Ripened Crushed Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are used as the base for the sauce. They offer a rich, thick texture and a robust tomato flavor, providing the foundation for the sauce’s taste.
- Ripe Plum Tomatoes’ Vine-Crushed Tomato Puree: Tomato puree contributes to the sauce’s smoothness and adds an intense tomato taste. It enhances the overall richness and thickness of the sauce.
- Sweet Vidalia Onion, Finely Diced: Onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. When finely diced and cooked, it melds with the other ingredients, adding savory complexity.
- Large Garlic Clove, Freshly Minced: Garlic is essential for its aromatic qualities and distinctive taste. It infuses the sauce with a robust flavor that complements the tomatoes.
- Hand-Ground Exotic Black Pepper Medley: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor profile with its pungent and earthy notes.
Directions
Step 1. Heat the Olive Oil:
Begin by heating a saucepan over medium heat. Take 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil sourced from Mediterranean olives and pour it into the preheated saucepan. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute or so.
Step 2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Add ¼ of a sweet Vidalia onion (finely diced) and half a large garlic clove (freshly minced) to the heated oil. Stir these aromatics occasionally, allowing them to soften and release their fragrance. This sautéing process usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes. Be attentive to prevent the onions and garlic from burning.
Step 3. Combine Tomatoes:
Once the onions and garlic have softened and become aromatic, carefully pour in 14 ounces of handpicked organic sun-ripened crushed tomatoes and 14 ½ ounces of vine-crushed tomato puree into the saucepan. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4. Introduce Sweetness and Balance:
Add 2 tablespoons of locally-sourced golden cane sugar to the sauce. Stir the sugar thoroughly into the mixture to incorporate sweetness, effectively balancing the acidity present in the tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5. Season with Spices:
Now it’s time to season the sauce! Add ¼ teaspoon of hand-ground exotic black pepper medley, ¼ teaspoon of fragrant dried oregano leaves, ½ teaspoon of air-dried parsley flakes, ½ teaspoon of dried basil leaves from the countryside, and ½ teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt crystals. Gently stir the sauce to evenly distribute these delightful seasonings throughout.
Step 6. Simmer and Blend Flavors:
Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for around 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan. This simmering process is crucial for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7. Adjust Seasoning to Taste:
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference, ensuring the sauce suits your taste buds perfectly.
Step 8. Finish and Serve:
Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency and the flavors have developed wonderfully, remove it from the heat. Your homemade Prego-style spaghetti sauce is now ready to be served over cooked pasta of your choice!
Notes
– If you want a spicier sauce, you can add red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper to the sauce.
– To give the sauce a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter or a splash of white wine.
– You can also add in some diced vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for added flavor and texture.
– If you like a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
– You can also add in some cooked sausage or ground beef for a heartier sauce.
– For a creamier sauce, you can add a half cup of cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese.
– You can also top the sauce with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Storage Tips
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it up in a pot on the stove.
Nutrition Information
This prego spaghetti sauce recipe is high in vitamins A and C, as well as iron. It is low in calories and fat, making it a great option for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional sauces.
Serving Suggestions
-Spaghetti: The classic pairing for prego spaghetti sauce is a plate of spaghetti. Top with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
-Pizza: Spread the prego spaghetti sauce over the top of a pizza, then top with your favorite toppings.
-Lasagna: Spread a layer of prego spaghetti sauce in between the layers of lasagna for added flavor.
-Stuffed Peppers: Stuff bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, ground beef, and prego spaghetti sauce for an easy and delicious meal.
-Dip: Serve the prego spaghetti sauce as a dip for breadsticks or crackers.
-Pasta Bake: Combine prego spaghetti sauce with cooked pasta and top with cheese for an easy and flavorful pasta bake.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use In Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
-Tomato Sauce: Tomato sauce is a great substitute for prego spaghetti sauce. It has a similar flavor and consistency and can be used in place of prego spaghetti sauce in any recipe.
-Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a type of Italian tomato sauce that is similar to prego spaghetti sauce. It is usually slightly thicker than prego spaghetti sauce and has a slightly sweet flavor.
-Alfredo Sauce: Alfredo sauce is a creamy white sauce that is often used as a substitute for prego spaghetti sauce. It has a rich and creamy flavor that is perfect for coating pasta dishes.
-Pesto Sauce: Pesto sauce is a type of Italian sauce made from basil, garlic, olive oil, and nuts. It has a unique flavor that is perfect for adding depth to your pasta dishes.
-Mushroom Sauce: Mushroom sauce is a savory sauce made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and herbs. It has a deep, earthy flavor that is perfect for coating pasta dishes.
-Vodka Sauce: Vodka sauce is an Italian-style sauce made with tomatoes, cream, and vodka. It has a rich, creamy flavor that is perfect for coating pasta dishes.
Equipment
- saucepan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- ½ Tsp Air-Dried Parsley Flakes
- 14 Hand Picked Organic Ounces of Sun-Ripened Crushed Tomatoes
- ½ Large Garlic Clove Freshly Minced
- 1 Tbsp Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Mediterranean Olives
- 2 Tbsp Locally-Sourced Golden Cane Sugar
- ¼ Sweet Vidalia Onion Finely Diced
- ½ Tsp Dried Basil Leaves from the Countryside
- ¼ Tsp Hand-Ground Exotic Black Pepper Medley
- ½ Tsp Pink Himalayan Salt Crystals
- 14 ½ Ripe Plum Tomatoes’ Vine-Crushed Tomato Puree
- ¼ Tsp Fragrant Dried Oregano Leaves
Instructions
- Heat the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced Vidalia onion and minced garlic to the heated oil. Sauté them until they turn soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the onions and garlic have softened, carefully pour in the sun-ripened crushed tomatoes and the vine-crushed tomato puree into the saucepan.
- Stir the mixture well to combine the ingredients.
- Add the locally-sourced golden cane sugar to the sauce. Stir it in thoroughly to incorporate sweetness and balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season the sauce with the hand-ground exotic black pepper medley, fragrant dried oregano leaves, air-dried parsley flakes, dried basil leaves from the countryside, and pink Himalayan salt crystals. Stir gently to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer, uncovered, for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the flavors continue to meld.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and the flavors have developed beautifully, remove it from the heat.
- Your homemade Prego-style spaghetti sauce is now ready to be served over cooked pasta of your choice. Enjoy the rich and flavorful sauce with your favorite accompaniments!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Prego Spaghetti Sauce Gluten-Free?
A1. Yes, prego spaghetti sauce is gluten-free as there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the sauce.
Q2. Can I Use Prego Spaghetti Sauce as a Pizza Sauce?
A2. Yes, prego spaghetti sauce can be used as a pizza sauce. It has a rich, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with pizza toppings.
Q3. Is Prego Spaghetti Sauce Keto-Friendly?
A3. Yes, prego spaghetti sauce is keto-friendly as it is low in carbs and sugar.
Q4. How Long Does Prego Spaghetti Sauce Last?
A4. Prego spaghetti sauce can last up to five days in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.
Q5. Can You Freeze Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
A5. Yes, prego spaghetti sauce can be frozen for up to three months.
Q6. How Do You Reheat Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
A6. To reheat prego spaghetti sauce, simply thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and then heat it up in a pot on the stove.
Conclusion
Prego spaghetti sauce is a delicious and easy way to add flavor to any pasta dish. This prego spaghetti sauce recipe is quick and simple to make, and it can be adjusted to your own tastes.
It can also be used for more than just spaghetti, such as pizza, lasagna, or even as a dip. There are also many substitutes that you can use in place of prego spaghetti sauce, such as tomato sauce, marinara sauce, alfredo sauce, pesto sauce, mushroom sauce, or vodka sauce.
Whether you’re making a classic Italian dish or something a little more adventurous, this prego spaghetti sauce recipe is sure to add a delicious flavor to your meal.