Craving that rich, comforting taste of classic Italian sauce? This Prego Spaghetti Sauce Recipe captures the jarred favorite with fresh, homemade flavor everyone loves.
Perfect over steaming pasta for family dinners. Learn how to make Prego Spaghetti Sauce using simple ingredients for Prego Spaghetti Sauce.
Your kitchen will smell amazing—try it tonight!
My Story With This Comforting Prego Spaghetti Sauce
I remember the first time I recreated Prego Spaghetti Sauce on a busy weeknight when the kids demanded pasta but we ran out of jars.
With canned tomatoes and pantry herbs, I stirred up magic that filled our home with cozy aromas. One taste took us back to grandma’s Sunday dinners.
Now it’s our family ritual—my teens even help simmer it. Better than store-bought every time. What’s your go-to pasta sauce memory?
Equipment List
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife for chopping
- Can opener
- Immersion blender (optional)
- Measuring spoons
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Prego Spaghetti Sauce
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Course: Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving

Ingredients for Prego Spaghetti Sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
These ingredients for Prego Spaghetti Sauce yield plenty for two pasta meals.
Instructions for Prego Spaghetti Sauce
1. Heat the Oil
Warm olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Swirl to coat bottom.
2. Cook the Onion
Add chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t burn.
4. Add Tomatoes
Pour in diced tomatoes with juice. Stir well to combine.
5. Mix Tomato Products
Add tomato sauce, paste, and water. Stir until smooth.
6. Season the Sauce
Sprinkle basil, oregano, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper. Stir thoroughly.
7. Bring to Simmer
Heat until bubbling gently. Reduce to low simmer.
8. Cook Slowly
Simmer 25-30 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Sauce thickens nicely.
9. Blend if Desired
Use immersion blender for smooth texture. Or leave chunky.
10. Taste and Adjust
Taste sauce. Add more salt or sugar if needed. Perfect!
Cooking Tips and Simple Recipe Variations
- Fresh basil elevates flavor over dried herbs.
- Add ground beef for meaty Bolognese style.
- Red pepper flakes give spicy kick.
- Carrot puree hides extra veggies for kids.
- Simmer longer for deeper flavor.
- Freeze in portions for quick weeknights.
- Use for pizza sauce too!
Little History Behind This Comfort Food
Prego Spaghetti Sauce rose to fame in the 1980s as the easy jarred option for busy families craving Italian flavors.
Grandmothers traditionally simmered tomatoes for hours, passing down recipes through generations. This homemade take revives that fresh essence while keeping weeknight simplicity.
It’s become an American-Italian staple for cozy pasta nights everywhere.
What to Serve With This Dish
Prego Spaghetti Sauce shines tossed with spaghetti or penne, topped with fresh Parmesan.
Serve garlic breadsticks for dipping and a crisp green salad on the side. Pair with Chianti for adults or lemonade for kids. Simple, satisfying perfection.
Occasion or Event Ideas
- Weeknight family dinners
- Date nights at home
- Pasta potlucks
- Kids’ birthday parties
- Game day spreads
- Meatball sub nights
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days in jar.
- Freeze up to 3 months in bags.
- Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat gently on stovetop. Stir often.
- Add splash of water if thick.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
Values approximate for 8 servings.
Is This Dish Good for You?
Prego Spaghetti Sauce Recipe delivers solid nutrition in a comforting package. Tomatoes supply lycopene and vitamin C for heart health and immunity.
Garlic and onions offer natural anti-inflammatory benefits. Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats.
At just 120 calories per serving, it’s versatile for balanced meals. Choose whole wheat pasta to boost fiber even more.

Prego Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Warm olive oil in saucepan over medium heat. Swirl to coat bottom.
Cook the Onion
- Add chopped onion. Sauté until soft and golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Garlic
- Stir in minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Don’t burn.
Add Tomatoes
- Pour in diced tomatoes with juice. Stir well to combine.
Mix Tomato Products
- Add tomato sauce, paste, and water. Stir until smooth.
Season the Sauce
- Sprinkle basil, oregano, parsley, sugar, salt, pepper. Stir thoroughly.
Bring to Simmer
- Heat until bubbling gently. Reduce to low simmer.
Cook Slowly
- Simmer 25-30 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes. Sauce thickens nicely.
Blend if Desired
- Use immersion blender for smooth texture. Or leave chunky.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste sauce. Add more salt or sugar if needed. Perfect!
Notes
- Cool completely before storing.
- Refrigerate up to 5 days in jar.
- Freeze up to 3 months in bags.
- Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat gently on stovetop. Stir often.
- Add splash of water if thick.
FAQs about Prego Spaghetti Sauce
Can I make Prego Spaghetti Sauce without sugar?
Absolutely—omit sugar or swap with honey. Tomato sweetness varies, so taste and adjust gradually for your perfect balance every batch.
How to make Prego Spaghetti Sauce meaty?
Brown 1 lb ground beef with the onions first, then drain and proceed. This hearty version freezes well for effortless future dinners.
Why blend my Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
Blending gives that smooth, kid-approved jarred texture while chunky suits heartier pasta. Choose based on your family’s texture preference.
Can I pressure can Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
Yes, process pints for 35 minutes following exact USDA guidelines to safely stock your pantry with homemade goodness.
What’s best pasta for Prego Spaghetti Sauce?
Classic spaghetti clings perfectly, but rigatoni holds chunks well and angel hair adds elegance to special dinners.
Final Thoughts
Your Prego Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is ready to transform pasta nights! This fresh, flavorful sauce brings restaurant quality home easily.
Double the batch and share the love. Tell me your tweaks in comments—what’s your sauce secret? Happy cooking!

Hi! I’m Livy Lane, the creator of LivyCooks.com. I share easy, delicious recipes anyone can make at home. Let’s cook, taste and enjoy every bite together!
















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