The convenience and relatively lengthy shelf life of jarred pasta sauce make it a go-to option for quick meals. However, while these sauces can be delicious, they frequently lack the flavor depth and complexity of a homemade sauce.
The good news is that with a few basic adjustments and additions, store-bought pasta sauce can be transformed into something that tastes much closer to homemade.
In this article, we will discuss techniques for transforming jarred pasta sauce into a rich, flavorful, and gratifying dish.
How To Make Jar Pasta Sauce Better?
Improving jarred pasta sauce is a quick and easy way to make a store-bought product taste like it’s homemade. Here are some tips to elevate the flavor and texture of your sauce:
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Sautéed Onions and Garlic: Sauté some chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent, then add the jarred sauce.
- How-To: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Add 1 diced onion and 2-3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté until translucent.
- Why: This adds a base layer of flavor that complements the tomato sauce.
- Bell Peppers or Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These can add sweetness and depth.
- How-To: Dice the peppers or sun-dried tomatoes and add them to the sautéed onions and garlic.
- Why: These add sweetness and depth, as well as additional texture.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add an earthy flavor.
- How-To: Slice or dice mushrooms and sauté them in a separate pan until they release their moisture. Add to the sauce.
- Why: Mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a meaty texture.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves can be torn and stirred into the sauce.
- How-To: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir into the sauce a few minutes before serving.
- Why: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, peppery flavor that pairs well with tomato-based sauces.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness.
- How-To: Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the sauce just before serving.
- Why: Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- Oregano or Thyme: These can add more complexity to the flavor profile.
- How-To: Add a teaspoon of fresh or dried oregano or thyme while the sauce is simmering.
- Why: These herbs add complexity and aromatic notes to the sauce.
Use Spices
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a bit of heat.
- How-To: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes to taste while the sauce is simmering.
- Why: Adds a spicy kick.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper can add a nice kick.
- How-To: Freshly grind black pepper into the sauce while it’s simmering.
- Why: Adds a spicy, aromatic element.
- Fennel Seeds: These can add a slight anise flavor, which is common in Italian sausage.
- How-To: Crush fennel seeds slightly and add them during the simmering process.
- Why: Adds a subtle anise flavor reminiscent of Italian sausage.
Add Protein
- Ground Meat: Beef, pork, or turkey can be browned and added.
- How-To: Brown ground meat in a separate pan, drain excess fat, and add to the sauce.
- Why: Adds richness and makes the sauce more hearty.
- Sausage: Italian sausage, either sliced or crumbled, can add a lot of flavors.
- How-To: Cook and slice or crumble Italian sausage, then add to the sauce.
- Why: Adds flavor and spices, enhancing the sauce’s complexity.
- Seafood: For seafood pasta, consider adding cooked shrimp or mussels.
- How-To: Add cooked shrimp, mussels, or clams to the sauce just before serving.
- Why: Creates a seafood pasta sauce with a different flavor profile.
Add Dairy
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shredded Parmesan can add a salty, nutty flavor.
- How-To: Stir in grated or shredded Parmesan while the sauce is simmering, or sprinkle on top before serving.
- Why: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and a slightly thicker texture.
- Cream: A splash of heavy cream can make the sauce richer and creamier.
- How-To: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce during the last few minutes of simmering.
- Why: Makes the sauce richer and creamier, balancing acidity.
- Ricotta: For a different texture and flavor, stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese.
- How-To: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta cheese just before serving.
- Why: Adds creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
Enhance with Wine or Broth
- Red Wine: A splash can add depth and complexity. Make sure to let it simmer to cook off the alcohol.
- How-To: Add a splash of red wine to the sauce and let it simmer to cook off the alcohol.
- Why: Adds depth and complexity.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: This can lighten the sauce while adding flavor.
- How-To: Add a splash of broth to thin out a too-thick sauce or to add flavor.
- Why: Adds a different layer of flavor while adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
Use Good Quality Olive Oil
- Finishing Touch: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can add a fresh, fruity note.
- How-To: Drizzle a bit of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the sauce just before serving.
- Why: Adds a fresh, fruity note and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Adjust Acidity and Sweetness
- Sugar or Honey: A small amount can balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- How-To: Add a teaspoon of sugar or honey to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Why: Creates a more balanced flavor profile.
- Balsamic Vinegar or Lemon Juice: A splash can brighten up the sauce and add some tanginess.
- How-To: Add a splash to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- Why: Adds brightness and tanginess, enhancing the sauce’s overall flavor.
Other Flavor Boosters
- Anchovy Paste or Fish Sauce: These can add umami and depth. Use sparingly.
- How-To: Add a small amount (start with 1/2 teaspoon) to the sauce while it’s simmering.
- Why: Adds umami and depth.
- Olives or Capers: These can add saltiness and a different texture.
- How-To: Add a handful of sliced olives or capers to the sauce.
- Why: Adds saltiness and a different texture.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your personal preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. You can transform a jar of store-bought sauce into something special with a little creativity.
Technique Matters
- Simmer Time: Letting the sauce simmer for longer can help the flavors meld together.
- How-To: Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Why: Time allows the flavors to blend and intensify.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your personal preferences and the ingredients you have on hand. You can transform a jar of store-bought sauce into something special with a little creativity.
Bottom Line
Improving prepackaged pasta sauce is simpler than you may believe and does not require hours of cooking. Adding fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables, or even a splash of wine can considerably improve the sauce’s flavor and texture.
Additional options include adding proteins such as sausage or meatballs or enhancing the sauce with a dash of cream or cheese. The key is determining what is lacking in the store-bought sauce and compensating it with complementary ingredients and seasonings.
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