10 Ways To Amplify Your Jarred Pasta Sauce

Sometimes on a weekday, you need a quick dinner like pasta with that can of sauce in your cupboard. I know what you are thinking! Jarred pasta sauce?!

Yes, a homemade, slow-simmered pasta sauce is great, but sometimes you need a full meal and feed the entire family in less than 30 minutes because you have to make it to hockey practice. Time to amplify your jarred pasta sauce! 

I know what you are thinking, pasta sauce out of the jar is boring. However, if you add a few key ingredients, it will ultimately amplify the jarred pasta sauce. 

1.Build a foundation 

Even thou garlic and onion are listed on the ingredients list; everything tastes better with freshly sauteed onion and garlic. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to your heated pan and let the onion and garlic cook. 

2. Protein 

Adding protein to your pasta sauce adds extra flavour and texture to your dish. Our favourites are our grass-fed organic meats or veggie ground. Start by browning it with your sautéing onions and garlic to add an extra layer to your palate. 

3. Spice it up 

Another way to add extra flavour is to add some dried chilli flakes. The chilli flakes bring the heat for spice loving people and also balances out the sweetness that usually comes with jarred pasta sauce. 

4. Fresh or Dried Herbs 

Like garlic, herbs are most likely included in the ingredients list but adding more will enhance the flavours more. If you are using dry herbs, add them when you are cooking, but if you are using fresh, add the herbs as a garnish or toss them into the sauce right before you are about to serve.

5. Wine 

Sometimes you have it with dinner, and sometimes you add it to your food! Add just a splash to glaze the pan when you are cooking your protein, and don’t worry; the alcohol will cookout. 

6. Vegetables 

If you have kids (or partners) that refuse to eat their vegetables, hide them! Throw some carrots, celery, or mushrooms into a blender or food processor, add it to your sauce and they will never know! Trust me: tried, tested and true. 

7. Cheese 

You can never go wrong with cheese!

8. Thicken it up 

Lots of recipes call for tomato paste, and most of the time, you do not use the entire can. Pull out that half-used can and add it to your sauce. 

9. Add Pasta Water 

Otherwise known as “liquid gold”, adding a ladle full of pasta water to your sauce will add an extra layer of silky, starchy goodness. 

10. Let it simmer 

Have a few moments? Let your sauce simmer to build and absorb all the added layers of seasoning. 

Serve up your pasta, save some for lunch the next day and enjoy! 

Still have leftovers? Please don’t throw it out, make something new with it tomorrow.