Easy Homemade Sugar Free Pasta Sauce Recipe
Share and Spread Healthy Recipes!
This is one of the best sugar free pasta sauce recipes you’ll ever taste. It’s loaded with fresh tomatoes, basil, and Italian flavors. A low-carb, keto-friendly sauce perfect for pasta!
This healthy homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is naturally sweet, loaded with Italian flavors, and perfect whether you’re following a keto diet or just want a delicious sauce without added sugar.
If you’ve ever checked out the nutrition label on store-bought sauces, you know how shocking the amount of sugar can be. But here’s the good news—making your own sugar-free spaghetti sauce at home is not only the easiest way to enjoy a flavorful dinner, it’s also healthier, more budget-friendly, and a great way to use up those fresh tomatoes.
Before losing 125 pounds, I didn’t pay attention to sugar and nutritional labels. Now that I focus on my health and calories, I created this healthy spaghetti sauce. It’s a great recipe that’s packed with flavor and low in sugar.
But, before I show you how to make this sugar free pasta sauce recipe, please take a quick second to subscribe to the Intentionally Eat newsletter. It contains delicious recipes and tips to help you live your healthiest life, plus you’ll get a free Snacks & Smoothies Mini-Cookbook full of incredible plant-based snack recipes!
Why This Is One of the Best Homemade Sugar Free Pasta Sauce Recipes
You’ll want to make a big batch of this low carb marinara sauce:
- No added sugar – Store-bought sauces often sneak in more than a spoonful or two of sugar. This recipe gets its natural sweetness from tomatoes and a secret ingredient (hint: a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar).
- Keto-friendly – With just a few grams of net carbs per serving, it’s an easy fit for a keto marinara sauce or low carb pasta sauce.
- Meal prep friendly – Make a big batch, then stash the leftover sauce in an airtight container for later use. It’s perfect for meal plans or freezing.
- Customizable – Toss in fresh herbs like fresh basil, oregano, or thyme. Add red pepper flakes for heat, or sneak in a diced bell pepper for extra flavor.
If you love this pasta sauce recipe, you’ll want to check out this Homemade Pizza Sauce!
Health Benefits
Tomatoes are packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. By skipping the sugar, this becomes a low carb tomato sauce that helps keep blood sugar levels stable and supports weight management. Plus, it’s a great way to hit your nutrition goals without worrying about the amount of sugar in store-bought options.
Ingredients
Here’s a complete recipe list with simple ingredients for this sugar free pasta sauce recipes:
- Whole tomatoes (or San Marzano tomatoes for the best canned tomatoes)
- Sweet Italian Peppers (or red bell peppers)
- Olive oil – omit if you want oil-free
- Garlic – fresh or powder
- Onion powder
- Italian Seasoning or this Copycat McCormick Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe
- Sea salt or Homemade salt substitute and black pepper
Optional Add-ins
- Smoked Paprika
- Red Pepper Chili Flakes
- Vinegar (red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar) -Sugar usually softens tomato acidity, but since this is a sugar-free pasta sauce, vinegar shifts the balance differently. It doesn’t sweeten, but it does round out sharpness and makes other flavors pop.
How To Make This Homemade Tomato Sauce
Step 1: Prep The Tomatoes and Peppers
Roasting tomatoes is a simple way to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen their flavor. Just wash and dry the tomatoes and peppers, cut them in half (or quarters if they’re large), and place them cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half of the olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then roast at 400°F until they soften, caramelize around the edges, and release that rich, sweet aroma.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip this simple step. It adds incredible flavor to your sugar-free tomato sauce and makes it taste like it’s been simmering all day!
Step 2: Sauté
In a large saucepan, add the remaining extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat and cook the garlic until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Stir in your roasted tomatoes, roasted peppers, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika for extra zing.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, and simmer until thickened—about 20–30 minutes. You can use a stick blender to make the sauce a little smoother if you prefer.
Pro Tip: Taste, and if you want, add a tablespoon of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.
More Incredible Recipes:
Copycat Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce Recipe
36 Incredible Cherry Tomato Recipes
Copycat McCormick Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe
Meal Prep, Storage & Leftover Tips
This is an easy recipe you’ll keep coming back to because it saves time on busy weeknights.
Refrigerate
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freeze
Freezing spaghetti sauce is super simple, but a few tricks make it taste just as fresh when you thaw it:
- Cool it
Let the sauce cool to room temperature before freezing. Hot sauce in the freezer can create ice crystals and alter the texture.
- Portion it
Decide if you want single-serve portions or family-size batches. Use silicone muffin trays or ice cube trays for single portions. Use quart-size freezer bags or airtight containers for larger batches.
- Use freezer-safe packaging
Freezer bags are great because you can press the sauce flat (saves space and thaws quickly). If using containers, leave a little headspace at the top – sauce expands as it freezes.
- Label & Date
Tomato sauces can be stored in the freezer for 3-4 months.
- Thawing
For the best flavor, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Bonus tip: Fresh herbs can turn dark when frozen. Stir in fresh herbs after reheating for the best flavor.
Next time you’re craving a delicious low carb marinara sauce, whip up this easy recipe and enjoy.
If you enjoyed this sugar free pasta sauce recipe or have tried any other recipe at Intentionally Eat, please leave a ⭐star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝comments below.
Thanks for visiting, and be sure to get instant access to new recipes, weight loss tips, plus a FREE Snack & Smoothie Recipe Bundle here.
Easy Homemade Sugar Free Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds tomatoes
- 2 Italian peppers or bell peppers
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced or 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp Italian Seasoning or this Copycat McCormick Spaghetti Seasoning Recipe
- 1 tsp sea salt or this Homemade Salt Substitute
- 1 tsp black pepper
Optional
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes and Peppers. Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash and dry the tomatoes and peppers. Cut them in half (or quarters if large) and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roast 20-25 minutes or until soft, caramelized around the edges, and aromatic.
- Step 2: Sauté the Garlic. In a large saucepan, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Cook the garlic until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Step 3: Build the Sauce. Add the roasted tomatoes and peppers to the saucepan. Stir in Italian seasoning, onion powder, and smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Simmer and Season. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20–30 minutes until thickened. Use a stick blender to make a smoother sauce if desired.
- Optional: Taste and add red wine or balsamic vinegar if desired. Stir in fresh basil just before serving.
Notes
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze:- Cool completely before freezing.
- Portion: Use ice cube trays for single servings or freezer bags/containers for larger batches.
- Packaging: Press bags flat to save space; leave headspace in containers.
- Label & Date: Lasts 3–4 months in the freezer.
Ways to Serve Your Healthy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
- Toss with low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles for a low carb spaghetti sauce option.
- Spoon over spaghetti squash for another veggie-friendly choice.
- Pair with traditional pasta if you’re cooking for the whole family.
- Use as a base for lasagna, stuffed peppers, or this incredible pizza.
Tips
Don’t skip roasting the tomatoes and peppers. It adds incredible flavor to your sugar-free tomato sauce and makes it taste like it’s been simmering all day! Add the red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, since this is a sugar free pasta sauce it can help round out sharpness and makes other flavors pop.Nutrition
Before I say goodbye, I encourage you to take a moment to find out how I went from obese to 125-pound lighter -and how you can reach your goals, too!
Hungry for more? Check Out These Recipes
Pumpkin Spice Low Calorie Donut
About The Author
Although Cindy has lost 125 pounds, her path to success was not easy. Go here to read her incredible story, “From Morbidly Obese to Losing 125 Pounds and Becoming a Health Coach.” If you want to send Cindy a quick message, visit her contact page here.
Pin this for later
I hope you found this to be one of the best sugar free pasta sauce recipes and that you found it delicious!
Disclaimer: Please note that I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research as a vegan recipe enthusiast. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or concerns. The recipes and tips shared on this blog are meant for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always prioritize your health and well-being by seeking personalized guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
