6 Simple Tips to Make Store-Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Homemade

Let's face it—cooking from scratch isn’t always realistic. Even the most enthusiastic cooks sometimes find themselves too busy to make a fresh tomato sauce after a long day at work. That’s where high-quality jarred sauces come in, offering an easy shortcut for a quick meal. Just open the jar, heat, and pour over your favorite pasta. However, jarred sauces often lack that homemade depth of flavor. The good news is, with a few simple tweaks, you can elevate the taste and bring some homemade flair to your meal without the fuss.

How to Transform Store-Bought Sauce into a Homemade Masterpiece

1. Select the Best Sauce for the Job

First things first, when choosing a jarred pasta sauce—whether it’s a classic marinara, a rich Alfredo, or even a pesto—opt for one that has a solid base. Rao’s is a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, and for good reason. While it’s a bit more expensive than many other brands, its flavor is fantastic right out of the jar, which means you’ll still get a great result even if you’re short on time. Watch for discounts at your local grocery store or buy in bulk at places like Costco. For tomato-based sauces, we recommend a simple marinara as it offers the most versatility for adding your own ingredients.

2. Add Protein for a Heartier Meal

One thing that jarred sauces like marinara or Alfredo often lack is protein. Luckily, it’s easy to fix! If you’re up for a little extra effort, brown some ground meat, bacon, pancetta, or slices of Italian sausage. If you’re in a rush, try adding cooked rotisserie chicken, leftover meats, or cubed ham. For a no-cook option, throw in frozen meatballs—just heat them right in the sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, canned beans, chickpeas, or frozen plant-based protein crumbles are perfect additions.

3. Add Freshness to Elevate the Flavor

Fresh herbs are a game-changer for any pasta sauce. If you have them on hand, they’ll instantly transform a jarred sauce into something more vibrant. Basil is a classic choice, but other herbs like thyme, rosemary, sage, marjoram, and oregano work wonders too. Don’t forget about fresh parsley or chives—they add a burst of flavor and freshness to the mix.

4. Enhance the Aromatics for More Depth

Adding fresh onion, shallots, or garlic to your jarred sauce can make a huge difference, elevating the flavor with a bit of bite. While these aromatics will cook into the sauce, they bring an extra layer of texture and sharpness that’s often missing in the pre-made version.

5. Add a Touch of Richness

Jarred sauces can sometimes taste a bit too acidic, so balancing that out with richness is key. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a splash of cream or half-and-half, a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone, or even a few pats of butter can soften the tang. If you want to add umami to a meatless sauce, a bouillon cube or a spoonful of bouillon paste is an excellent choice.

6. Add a Hint of Acid for Balance

On the flip side, some sauces, especially jarred Alfredo or pesto, can lean a bit too sweet. To balance that sweetness, a splash of acid can make a big difference. A few tablespoons of leftover wine, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can really lift the flavor and add a nice brightness to the sauce.

With just a few simple tweaks, jarred pasta sauces can be transformed into the foundation of standout meals. You might even elevate them enough to serve to guests!