By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 2, 2026

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Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce

Serves 6

111 cal · 65 min

Vegetarian Spaghetti Sauce

Recipe GLPR7a99dc5055d355

4.0(1)
Italian
Sauce & Condiment
65 min
111 cal
Servings: 6
Stovetop
SNAP eligible

A vibrant, herb-infused tomato-based sauce packed with sautéed zucchini, onions, and fresh garlic. This aromatic sauce simmers gently to develop deep flavors and creates the perfect topping for your favorite pasta dishes.

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 1/4 cups zucchini, sliced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 can (8 ounces) low-sodium tomato sauce

1 can (6 ounces) low-sodium tomato paste

2 medium tomatoes, chopped

1 cup water

Directions

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before beginning preparation.

  2. Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, approximately 1 minute.

  3. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and sliced zucchini to the hot oil. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

  4. Stir in the dried oregano and basil, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped fresh tomatoes, and water, stirring well to combine all ingredients.

  6. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be rich, thick, and deeply flavored.

  7. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve the sauce over cooked pasta of your choice.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4

All ingredients are staples at every Charlotte chain year-round, with no special trips needed. At roughly $1.50 per serving, this is genuinely cheap—tomato products and zucchini are the budget anchors. The 65-minute time is honest for simmering to build flavor, though active prep is under 10 minutes. This reheats perfectly and feeds a family with zero fussiness, but it's a straightforward weeknight dish rather than a standout, and the flavor relies entirely on proper seasoning and simmering technique, which the recipe description doesn't detail."

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