Spaghetti night just got a flavor-packed upgrade! This Spaghetti Seasoning elevates any sauce by combining the perfect blend of herbs and spices. Use in homemade sauce, or add to jarred spaghetti sauce for an easy upgrade!
As a food blogger, many people think that I'm serving up swoon-worthy meals each and every night. But the truth is, there are many nights when I simply don't have the time or energy to make a from-scratch meal. And I'm totally ok with that. But having a few back-pocket tricks up my sleeve means that I can give even the simplest meals an upgrade.
This easy homemade spaghetti seasoning mix is my go-to secret ingredient for a mouthwatering spaghetti sauce. I use it in my own homemade sauces but also add a dash to store-bought jarred sauce for an extra flavor boost. Add some noodles, ground beef, or frozen meatballs, and you have a complete meal in just minutes. So, if you're wondering what spices you can add to spaghetti sauce to make it that much better, consider this your weeknight shortcut for always having the best spaghetti sauce at the ready, no matter how much time you have.
In This Post
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy recipe. As with most of my recipes on this blog, this spaghetti seasoning recipe is easy to make. Simply combine all the ingredients and store for up to 6 months.
- Makes the BEST spaghetti seasoning. This delicious Italian seasoning mix makes any sauce better. Whether you're adding it to a jar of pasta sauce from the grocery store or simply adding it to plain tomato sauce for a quick and easy homemade spaghetti sauce recipe, this homemade spice blend is the secret ingredient to elevate your pasta night.
- Easy to store. I love that you can make a big batch of this spaghetti seasoning, place the spice mix in a glass jar, and use it for up to 6 months. I like making a double batch of it so I always have some on hand for when I need it.
- Versatile. Most of the spices in this homemade blend are standard Italian spices. But don't fret if you don't have all of them on hand. You can easily substitute different spices or just omit ones you might not have. A good base of basil, thyme, oregano, and garlic powder is enough to turn a bland marinara sauce into delicious pasta dinners. (Note - I also often use this in place of a typical Italian seasoning blend!)
- Great for all sorts of dishes. This pasta seasoning works well with most sauces, including your basic spaghetti meat sauce, sauces with Italian sausage, sauces with ground turkey, or even vegetarian spaghetti sauce. But it's also a great seasoning for spaghetti squash, garlic bread, soups and stews, casserole dishes, or anywhere else you might use an Italian seasoning. (Try it in this easy Dump And Bake Meatball Casserole, Lazy Baked Lasagna With Frozen Cheese Ravioli, or Tuscan Pasta!)
Key Ingredients
Note: All the spices used here are dried, not fresh.
- Garlic and onion powders. Infuses your sauce with a rich, savory depth.
- Oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, sage. The quintessential herbs that give this spaghetti seasoning that authentic Italian.
- Black pepper. Adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional). For those who crave a hint of heat in their sauce. (I highly encourage this addition! Don't worry - it's not that spicy.)
- Fennel seeds. The secret ingredient that gives this spaghetti seasoning mix a unique, aromatic twist.
How To Make The BEST Homemade Seasoning For Spaghetti Sauce
Making this spaghetti seasoning couldn't be simpler.
- Combine all the spaghetti spices. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Stir. Stir well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Store. Store the seasoning in an airtight container to maintain freshness. (I like a sealed glass jar - even a simple, small mason jar will do the trick.)
- Shake before use. Give the jar a good shake before each use to mix the spices thoroughly.
Variations & Substitutions
This is a great recipe for spaghetti seasoning, but feel free to mix it up based on what you're into or what you have on hand.
- Adjust the ratio. Feel free to experiment with different ratios to adjust spice levels according to your taste.
- Add different herbs. Add or omit different herbs based on your preference or what you have on hand. (Just try to keep the flavors in the Italian family.)
- Add it to different dishes. Try adding this seasoning blend to pizza sauce, bolognese sauce, or even as a flavor boost for your favorite pasta dishes. For a thicker sauce, consider mixing it with tomato paste or blending it with olive oil for an extra flavor punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your homemade spaghetti sauce seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Yes, you can! Divide the seasoning into freezer-safe containers for long-term storage.
While you totally could (and it would be delicious!), fresh herbs won't keep like dried herbs do. The beauty of this recipe for me is that I can make it once and use it countless times, making meals so much easier.
Get creative! Use your favorite herbs or those readily available in your pantry.
Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste preferences.
As mentioned earlier, there are loads of ways to use these spaghetti spices, but here's a common way that I use them. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the pasta seasoning to a store-bought jar of pasta sauce and heat in a medium-sized pot over the stove. Add in some cooked lean ground beef and a couple of minced garlic cloves. Toss with cooked spaghetti noodles (cook the noodles with a teaspoon of salt tossed into the water for extra flavor!), then top with a handful of Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for an easy, delicious, healthy recipe.
While I love using this easy DIY spaghetti seasoning for spaghetti and pasta sauces, it's also a great spice blend that can be used in pizzas, soups, chicken dishes, ground beef mains - basically, anything you'd use a general Italian seasoning blend in.
Some of the spices used here can be a bit coarse (looking at you, fennel and rosemary). If that bothers you, feel free to toss the spices into a spice grinder or food processor to even out the texture.
Homemade pasta seasoning is the perfect way to add a delicious flavor boost to your pasta nights.
If you try this easy Spaghetti Seasoning blend, let me know what you think in the comments below. And remember to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram - I'd love to see how you're using it!
Recipes That Shine With This Spaghetti Seasoning
- Lazy Baked Lasagna With Frozen Cheese Ravioli
- Instant Pot Chicken And Noodle Soup
- Chickpea Stew With Orzo And Greens
- Creamy Boursin Cheese Pasta With Chicken
- One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Easy Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
- Easy Pastina Soup
- Tuscan Pasta
- Cheesy Pasta
- Easy Vegetable Lasagna With Roasted Eggplant And Zucchini
Recipe
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1.5 tablespoon oregano
- 3 tablespoon basil
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pinch fennel seeds (finely ground)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the spices and stir well.
- Store the spaghetti seasoning in an airtight container.
- Spaghetti sauce seasoning will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
- Before using, shake the jar of pasta seasoning well to break up and mix the spices.
- Use in pasta sauces, pizza sauces, garlic bread, or anywhere else you might use Italian seasoning.
Notes
- Shake the spaghetti seasoning well before each use to ensure the spices are thoroughly mixed.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- Use in pasta sauces, on pizzas, in soups and stews, and as an Italian seasoning for ground beef, chicken or pork.
Susan says
What's the measurement to use per batch of sauce,is it one tablespoon?
Sarah Jenkins says
Hi Susan,
I usually start with a tablespoon, then taste, and add more if needed. Best to err on adding less than you think you'll need since you can always add a little more!
Becky Austin says
Serving size? How much do you put in one batch if spaghetti sauce?
Sarah Jenkins says
Start with 1-2 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste preferences.
Gayla Mead says
How much do I add to 16 oz of tomato sauce? I’m making it for 2 people.
Thank you.
Sarah Jenkins says
I'd start with 1/2 tsp and then taste it to see what you think. You can always add more!
Sherry says
Loved it! First time I tried making my own and it was perfect! Added to home grown vegetables for a great sauce!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks Sherry!
Sherry says
Loved it! First time I tried making my own and it was perfect! Added to home grown vegetables for a great sauce!
Leslie says
This seasoning saved dinner. I have several store bought seasoning for marinara but the flavor is just not there. This mix saved dinner. I believe I added 3 tbsp to an already seasoned 24oz marinara.
Delicious
Sarah Jenkins says
Thank you Leslie! So glad it worked for you!
Aaron J Riegel says
Grateful for the mix just not sure how much to put in a 60 ounce pot of spaghetti sauce.
Sarah Jenkins says
Hi Aaron,
I'd start off small with just a tbsp and then adjust to taste as needed. Let me know how it goes!