What is Store-Bought Pasta Sauce?
Store-bought pasta sauce is a pre-made sauce that you can purchase at grocery stores and supermarkets. The best store-bought pasta sauces are a convenient option for those who don’t have the time or resources to make their own pasta sauce from scratch.
Additionally, you can find these sauces in different flavors and varieties, making it challenging to select. This article reviews several pasta sauce brands to help you make an informed choice. Let’s dig in!
How to Make Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Better
Let’s face it – nothing can beat Nonna’s homemade pasta sauce! However, what happens if you can’t make it from scratch? Not to worry! There are a few hacks you can use to make jarred sauce better.
Here is how you can effortlessly enhance the flavor and quality of store-bought pasta by adding a few ingredients and following these simple steps:
Saute Aromatics
Start by heating a pan over medium heat, adding a small amount of olive oil, and toss in some garlic, onions, or shallots as aromatics. Allow them to sizzle for around three minutes until they are translucent.
Spice It Up
Next, add some dried herbs and spices. Think basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This step allows you to kick up the sauce’s flavor a notch.
Deglaze With Wine (Optional)
Are you feeling a bit fancy? Pour a splash of red wine and let it simmer for a few minutes to give your sauce a classy twist.
Add the Store-Bought Sauce
Now, pour in your store-bought pasta sauce, and give it a good stir. Let it simmer for five minutes.
Customize With Fresh Ingredients
You can improve the sauce by adding fresh ingredients such as tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, or a handful of spinach for extra freshness and texture.
Simmer and Taste
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes for the flavors to combine. Taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed with more herbs or spices.
Finish With Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Just before you serve, stir in some freshly chopped herbs like basil and parsley. Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
Serve and Garnish
Your improved store-bought pasta sauce is ready to serve over your cooked pasta. Consider garnishing your dish with additional grated cheese and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if you desire.
By following these steps, you’ll take your store-bought pasta sauce from basic to fantastic without breaking a sweat! Feel free to experiment with ingredients and adapt the recipe to your taste.
How to Use Jarred Pasta Sauce
Here’s the thing: Just because it goes by the name pasta sauce, it doesn’t mean you can only use it on pasta! There are many creative ways to use the best-canned pasta sauce beyond just serving it with pasta.
Here are some exciting ways to make the most of your jarred pasta sauce:
Pizza Sauce
You can use it as a pizza sauce on pizza dough or flatbreads. Include your favorite toppings and cheese, and bake for a quick homemade pizza.
Lasagna
Layer the sauce in lasagna with sheets of pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and ground meat or vegetables for a delicious lasagna.
Meatballs
Simmer cooked meatballs in the sauce for a classic Italian dish. Serve with pasta.
Vegetarian Chili
You can add pasta sauce to a chili recipe for extra depth and a rich tomato flavor.
These are just a few examples of how you can creatively use jarred pasta sauce. The trick is to be as creative as possible and be open to experimenting with your favorite ingredients for more personalized recipes.
Our Winner
Our team of experts took their time and tasted what we would regard as the best canned pasta sauce. Upon testing, Rao's Homemade Bolognese Sauce emerged as the best jarred pasta sauce.
What stood out about this sauce is that Rao’s Specialty Foods makes it using top-quality ingredients that give it a rich and authentic Italian flavor. Furthermore, it has a thick texture that allows it to cling well to your pasta. It is also keto-friendly and highly versatile.
Other Store-Bought Pasta Sauces We Tested
- Rao's Homemade Bolognese Sauce – Best overall jarred sauce
- Organic Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce – Best organic canned pasta sauce
- Kirkland Signature Expect More Italian Basil Pesto – Most versatile jarred sauce
- Alfredo Premium Italian Pasta Sauce – Best creamy pasta sauce
- Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce – Most healthy pasta sauce
- Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce – Best quality and flavorful pasta sauce
- Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce – Best all-natural pasta sauce
- No products found. – Best gluten-free & non-GMO pasta sauce
Our Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Reviews
Rao's Homemade Bolognese Sauce – Best Overall Jarred Sauce
Rao’s Homemade Bolognese Sauce is the unrivaled choice among store-bought pasta sauces. The manufacturer crafts it using 100% Italian tomatoes, ground beef, ground pork, pancetta, onion, and olive oil. This combination makes it one of the healthiest jarred pasta sauces.
What sets Rao’s pasta sauce apart is it does not contain added sugar, making it a delectable, low-carb option. Moreover, it caters to Keto and Whole 30 diets. This sauce embodies the pinnacle of premium ingredients, authentic Italian flavors, and dietary adaptability, making it the finest choice in your culinary journey.
Brand: Rao’s Homemade
Diet type: Vegetarian
Allergen information: Soy, dairy, milk
Organic Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce – Best Organic Canned Pasta Sauce
365 by Whole Foods Market’s Organic Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce isn’t just any sauce. It’s all about quality. The manufacturer uses top-notch organic ingredients like tomatoes, cream, vodka, and a dash of basil to create a rich, creamy sauce. It is ideal for your pasta dishes.
Furthermore, 365 Whole Foods Market is passionate about wholesome products like whole grain flavors and organic milk. They are also Climate Pledge Friendly, meaning they grow and process the product according to standards that address soil and water quality. With no additives and compromise, this is the best sauce for people who love organic products.
Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market
Diet type: Lacto-ovo-vegetarian (includes eggs and dairy products but excludes fish, poultry, and meat)
Allergen information: Dairy, soy, wheat
Kirkland Signature Expect More Italian Basil Pesto – Most Versatile Jarred Sauce
Kirkland Signature Expect More Italian Basil Pesto is a culinary gem crafted with authentic Italian ingredients. It stars sunflower oil, sea salt, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic, ensuring a genuinely Italian taste. These ingredients make it a versatile and delicious sauce.
Additionally, this pesto is gluten-free and free from artificial flavors or colors. Whether you are vegetarian or not, you’ll savor its rich, nutty, and herbal notes. Kirkland Signature uses 100% imported Italian basil D.O.P., a testament to top quality and tradition. You can combine this into your pasta dishes or spread it on your sandwiches to give them an Italian flavor.
Brand: Kirkland Signature
Allergen information: Nut, dairy
Alfredo Premium Italian Pasta Sauce – Best Creamy Pasta Sauce
Botticelli’s White Roman-Style Alfredo Pasta Sauce is your ticket to authentic Italian flavors right in your kitchen! The manufacturer uses traditional Italian recipes, ensuring the sauce elevates all your favorite dishes. You can use it to enhance the flavor of your fettuccine, lasagna, meatballs, chicken, and seafood.
This sauce is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients carefully cultivated to turn every meal into an Italian masterpiece. Its packaging (a secure glass jar) ensures this gluten-free sauce remains fresh.
Brand: Botticelli
Allergen information: Dairy
Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce – Most Healthy Pasta Sauce
Amazon Choice Award: #1 Best Seller in Marinara Sauces
If you want to add rich Italian flavors to your dishes, Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce is the ideal choice. The manufacturer uses top-tier organic ingredients like garlic, diced tomatoes, and basil. This blend allows you to enjoy some authentic taste.
Moreover, it is gluten-free and free from added sugar, artificial flavors, and colors, making it arguably the healthiest jarred pasta sauce. The use of quality and organic components makes it the best store-bought marinara. It is ideal for those craving genuine Italian flavors without compromising on natural, healthy ingredients.
Brand: 365 by Whole Foods Market
Diet type: USDA Organic, vegan
Allergen information: Gluten-free
Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce – Best Quality and Flavorful Pasta Sauce
Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce offers the essence of Italy to your enjoyment. The brand uses imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes, popular for their natural sweetness, to make the sauce. This ensures you enjoy an authentic Italian experience.
Besides, they use all-natural ingredients such as fresh onions, extra virgin oil, and fragrant basil, which exude freshness and flavor. Notably, it is gluten-free, non-GMO verified, and USDA-certified organic, ranking it as one of the healthiest store-bought pasta sauce options. In short, this sauce offers the perfect blend of quality, authenticity, and health!
Brand: Cucina Antica
Diet type: Vegetarian
Allergen information: Gluten-free
Newman's Own Alfredo Sauce – Best All-Natural Pasta Sauce
Newman’s Own Alfredo Sauce is an all-natural and gluten-free pasta sauce that captures the crux of Italian cuisine. It does not incorporate artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, delivering an authentic and wholesome experience.
The sauce blends up to 29 top-quality ingredients, creating a rich and creamy sauce that elevates your dishes. Furthermore, the brand meticulously controls the sauce for allergens like MSG, peanuts, and artificial ingredients.
Brand: Newman’s Own
Diet type: Gluten-free, shellfish-free
Allergen information: Dairy, soy
No products found. – Best Gluten-Free & Non-GMO Pasta Sauce
No products found.
This pasta sauce uses California plum tomatoes, imported olive oil, fresh onions, garlic, sea salt, basil, and spices to offer a natural and flavorful delight. It does not have artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it a healthy choice.
Additionally, it is non-GMO and free from cereals and their derivatives. You can use it to enhance various dishes, including spaghetti, baked ziti, and lasagna.
Brand: Mazzetta
Diet type: Gluten-free, non-GMO
Allergen information: Dairy, soy
Our Testing Process
So, how did we arrive at our best canned pasta sauce list? Well, our team of gastronomic judges use these criteria to test the pasta sauces:
- Appearance: Our team believes that a good pasta sauce should have a rich red color with visible herbs. The ones that ranked highest look great when heaped over different dishes.
- Texture: Our team also looked at the sauce’s texture. They check whether it is rustic, chunky, or thin and smooth.
- Flavor: The team also went for pasta sauces with the perfect blend of tomato, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.
- Ingredients: Our team only considers pasta sauce brands that use high-quality ingredients. They also avoid brands that contain artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Diet type: The team considered pasta sauces ideal for different dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free.
The Word’s Out
There you go! The word’s out on the best pasta sauce for your specific needs. What’s more, you’ve discovered how to make store-bought pasta sauce better and which is the healthiest store-bought pasta sauce.
But here is the thing: we all need a starting point, right? In that case, consider Rao's Homemade Bolognese Sauce, which is the best overall pasta sauce. It is healthy, flavorful, versatile, and readily available. No more waiting; get your jarred sauce today and add some Italian essence to your dishes!
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