This fire roasted tomatoes spaghetti sauce brings the rich and smoky flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes into a savory and aromatic sauce.
Nothing says comfort food quite like a hearty bowl of spaghetti topped with a flavorful tomato sauce. But if you’re looking to elevate your pasta game with a deep, smoky flavor, then look no further than this Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce.
Roasting the tomatoes over an open flame imparts a unique, smoky richness that takes your typical spaghetti sauce to the next level.
This easy-to-follow recipe uses fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a few key ingredients to create a bold and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple, yet incredibly delicious fire roasted tomatoes spaghetti sauce recipe that will elevate your pasta dishes to the next level. Let’s dive right in!
Why You Will Lovew This Sauce ?
Fire roasted tomatoes spaghetti sauce brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor by giving them a slightly smoky, charred taste.
The caramelization of the sugars in the tomatoes during roasting gives the sauce a deep, complex flavor that regular canned tomatoes can’t replicate.
Fire-roasted tomatoes are often available canned in stores, making it easy to recreate the flavor at home without needing to roast fresh tomatoes yourself.
Using these tomatoes in your spaghetti sauce ensures you get that smoky, grilled essence without much extra effort.
How To Prepare Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce?
Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Course: Main Course / Sauce
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
- Calories: ~150 calories per serving (depends on serving size)
- Yield: About 4 servings of sauce
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Knife & chopping board
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or substitute with fresh fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
Instructions
1. Prepare Ingredients:
Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and fresh basil. Set them aside. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, fire-roast them first by grilling or charring them on an open flame, then dice them.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes & Seasoning:
Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix everything together.
4. Simmer the Sauce:
Add ½ cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors to meld together.
5. Adjust Flavors:
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a deeper flavor, stir in the balsamic vinegar at this stage. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Finish & Garnish:
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
7. Serve:
Spoon the sauce over your favorite pasta (spaghetti works wonderfully!) or use it as a base for pizza or any dish that requires tomato sauce.

Tips For The Best Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce
1. Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or oregano available, substitute them for dried herbs for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you like spicy food, don’t hesitate to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
3. Roast Your Own Tomatoes: For an even deeper smoky flavor, roast your own tomatoes on a grill or under a broiler before adding them to the sauce.
4. Blend for a Smoother Sauce: If you prefer a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a regular blender once it’s done simmering.
Our Favorite Ways To Serve It Up
This Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Of course, it’s fantastic with classic spaghetti, but it also works wonderfully over penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni for a change.
For a heartier meal, top it with meatballs, grilled chicken, or sausage. You can also use it as a base for lasagna or spread it on a homemade pizza. Whatever you choose, this smoky, rich sauce will elevate any dish!
Can I Substitute Fire Roasted Tomatoes For Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can substitute fire roasted tomatoes for tomato sauce, but the flavor will differ. Fire roasted tomatoes have a smoky, charred taste, while tomato sauce is smoother and milder.
To adjust, you may want to blend the fire roasted tomatoes and add seasonings like garlic and herbs to mimic a more traditional tomato sauce.
Do Fire Roasted Tomatoes Taste Different?
Yes, fire roasted tomatoes have a distinctive smoky, slightly charred flavor due to the roasting process. The heat caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, enhancing their sweetness while imparting a deeper, more complex taste.
This smoky depth makes them a perfect choice for sauces, soups, and dishes where a richer flavor profile is desired.
What Tomatoes Are Best For Spaghetti Sauce?
The best tomatoes for spaghetti sauce are Roma or plum tomatoes. These varieties have a dense flesh, fewer seeds, and a robust, rich flavor. Their low moisture content makes them ideal for thick sauces.
Alternatively, San Marzano tomatoes, prized for their sweetness and low acidity, are also a top choice for creating flavorful, traditional spaghetti sauce.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days, and when you’re ready to use it, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, this sauce freezes beautifully.
Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best flavor and texture.
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Conclusion
Fire roasted tomatoes spaghetti sauce is a fantastic, easy-to-make option that will transform your regular pasta into something extraordinary.
Using fire roasted tomatoes, you infuse the sauce with smoky and rich flavors that you can’t get from fresh tomatoes alone.
So, give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving a hearty and comforting pasta dish. I promise it’ll be a hit at the dinner table! Happy cooking!

Fire Roasted Tomatoes Spaghetti Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Knife & chopping board
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)
Ingredients
- 2 cans 14.5 oz each fire-roasted diced tomatoes (or substitute with fresh fire-roasted tomatoes)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar to balance acidity
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar optional, for depth of flavor
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients:
- Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and fresh basil. Set them aside. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, fire-roast them first by grilling or charring them on an open flame, then dice them.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes & Seasoning:
- Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix everything together.
Simmer the Sauce:
- Add ½ cup of water to the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors to meld together.
Adjust Flavors:
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like a deeper flavor, stir in the balsamic vinegar at this stage. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Finish & Garnish:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, remove from heat. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Serve:
- Spoon the sauce over your favorite pasta (spaghetti works wonderfully!) or use it as a base for pizza or any dish that requires tomato sauce.