Are you on a gluten-free diet but still crave a delicious pasta dish?
Worry not; we’ve got you covered! This guide will take you through the best gluten-free spaghetti sauces, from classic marinara to creamy Alfredo.
We aim to provide an in-depth look at the most delicious and healthy gluten-free pasta sauces available on the market and share our secret recipe and all the tips and tricks you need to make the best spaghetti sauce.
Why Gluten-Free?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
It’s a common ingredient in pasta sauces, making it difficult for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to enjoy a pasta dish.
Gluten as we know can cause inflammation and damage to the small intestine in people with celiac disease. It can also cause various symptoms in people with gluten intolerance, including digestive issues, headaches, and fatigue.
A gluten-free diet is the only and best treatment for celiac disease and can also benefit people with gluten intolerance.
Gluten-Free Pasta Sauce Brands to Try for Your Next Meal
1) Classic Marinara Sauce
Marinara sauce is a classic Italian sauce with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
It’s a versatile sauce that pairs well with all types of pasta and can also be used as a pizza sauce or a dipping sauce.
Our favorite gluten-free marinara sauce is Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, made with high-quality ingredients and rich, authentic flavor.
2) Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is the way to go if you’re in the mood for a creamy pasta dish.
Conventional Alfredo sauce is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, but many gluten-free versions are available on the market.
Our top pick for gluten-free Alfredo sauce is Bertolli Alfredo Sauce, made with fresh cream and aged Parmesan cheese for a rich, velvety texture.
3) Pesto Sauce
Pesto sauce is a flavorful sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
It’s an excellent option for a quick and easy pasta dish and can also be used as a dip or a spread.
Our favorite gluten-free pesto sauce is Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto, which has a bright, fresh flavor and is made with all-natural ingredients.
4) Arrabbiata Sauce
Arrabbiata sauce is a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs.
It’s a great option if you want some heat in your pasta dish.
Our top pick for gluten-free arrabbiata sauce is DeLallo Arrabbiata Sauce, made with ripe Italian tomatoes and a bold, spicy flavor.
5) Vodka Sauce
This sauce is a creamy tomato sauce made with vodka, cream, and herbs. It’s a delicious option for a decadent pasta dish.
Our favorite gluten-free vodka sauce is Victoria Vegan Vodka Sauce, made with cashews and almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.
Our Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
We understand the importance of a gluten-free diet for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
That’s why we’ve also created a delicious gluten-free spaghetti sauce recipe that will satisfy your cravings without adversely affecting your health.
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Start by prepping your ingredients. Finely chop one onion and mince four cloves of garlic.
Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of your olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes or until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Add one can (28 oz.) of crushed tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic.
- Add the chopped basil, chopped parsley, 1 tsp. Dried oregano, 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 20-30 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can add a pinch of sugar at this point.
- If you like a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it directly in the saucepan. Alternatively, you can transfer the sauce to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Once the sauce is ready, you can serve it immediately over cooked gluten-free spaghetti noodles.
- Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips and Tricks
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing it with the onions. Burnt garlic can add a bitter flavor to the sauce.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. San Marzano tomatoes are a great option.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the mixture with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular one.
- If you like your sauce sweeter, add sugar or sweet onions instead of regular onions.
- You can add other vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Why Our Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce Recipe is Better
Many store-bought spaghetti sauces contain gluten, even if the ingredients don’t explicitly state it.
Our gluten-free spaghetti sauce recipe is safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance and much healthier and more delicious than anything you’ll find on a store shelf.
Our sauce contains only high-quality ingredients and no preservatives or artificial flavors.
Plus, you can adjust the seasoning and flavor by making it yourself.
Examples of How to Use Our Gluten-Free Spaghetti Sauce
- Spaghetti and Meatballs: Cook your favorite gluten-free noodles and top them with our homemade sauce and meatballs.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layer cooked eggplant slices with our sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake in the oven until bubbly and golden.
- Chicken Parmesan: Coat chicken breasts in gluten-free breadcrumbs and bake until crispy. Top with our sauce and mozzarella cheese, then bake until melted and bubbly.
- Lasagna: Layer gluten-free lasagna noodles with our sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
- Stuffed Peppers: Cut off the tops of bell peppers and remove the seeds. Stuff with cooked rice, ground beef, and our sauce, then bake until tender.
Conclusion
There are many delicious and healthy gluten-free pasta sauce options, from classic marinara to creamy Alfredo.
We also believe everyone should enjoy delicious and healthy food, regardless of dietary restrictions.
That is why our gluten-free spaghetti sauce recipe is a testament to that belief.
We hope you enjoy our recipe and share it with your loved ones.
Remember, being gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety.
So, enjoy your pasta with the best gluten-free pasta sauce and recipe options available!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is spaghetti sauce gluten-free?
Spaghetti sauce can be gluten-free, but it depends on the ingredients used. Some brands of spaghetti sauce may contain gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat flour or barley malt. If you are following a gluten-free diet, be sure to check the ingredient label carefully or make your own spaghetti sauce using gluten-free ingredients.
What are some gluten-free spaghetti sauce brands?
There are many gluten-free spaghetti sauce brands available in stores, including Classico, Rao's Homemade, and Newman's Own. Be sure to check the ingredient label to confirm that the sauce is gluten-free.
Can I make my own gluten-free spaghetti sauce?
Yes, making your own gluten-free spaghetti sauce is easy and can be a great way to control the ingredients and flavor. Our recipe above is a delicious and easy gluten-free spaghetti sauce recipe.
Are canned tomatoes gluten-free?
Canned tomatoes are usually gluten-free, but it's important to check the ingredient label to confirm that there are no gluten-containing ingredients added, such as wheat flour or barley malt.
Can I use regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti sauce?
No, if you are following a gluten-free diet, you should use gluten-free pasta with your gluten-free spaghetti sauce. Regular pasta contains gluten, which can cause problems for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.