Quick and Easy Spaghetti with Jarred Meat Sauce: A Simple Recipe for Busy Days
When time is short, and hunger strikes, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of hearty spaghetti with meat sauce. While homemade meat sauce is delicious, it’s not always practical when you’re pressed for time. The good news is that you can still make a flavorful, satisfying meal by using a jar of meat sauce. With just a few extra ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can transform store-bought sauce into a gourmet-like dish that tastes homemade. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the most out of jarred meat sauce for a quick, no-fuss spaghetti dinner that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Jar
- 1 pound (450g) spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 jar (24 oz) of meat sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Spaghetti with Jarred Meat Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions (usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about a cup of the pasta cooking water for later. This starchy water will help thicken and bind the sauce to the noodles later.
Step 2: Heat the Meat Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat the meat sauce in a large skillet or saucepan. Add the olive oil to the pan and heat over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, pour in the jarred meat sauce. Stir the sauce gently to combine with the olive oil, and then add garlic powder, dried basil, and Italian seasoning to boost the flavor of the store-bought sauce.
Simmer the sauce on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the seasonings to infuse into the sauce and adds an extra layer of flavor. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Step 3: Combine the Spaghetti and Sauce
Once both the pasta and the sauce are ready, it’s time to bring them together. Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the saucepan with the meat sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s evenly coated, adding more pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the spaghetti is fully coated in the savory meat sauce, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that extra umami kick. If you have fresh basil or parsley, sprinkle a handful on top to add a burst of color and freshness.
Serve the spaghetti immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the delicious, comforting meal.
