How to Make Store Bought Pasta Sauce Taste Better

For most people, store-bought pasta sauce doesn’t hold a candle to homemade. But, if one comes close, it’s Rao’s—at least according to TikTok. But some are worried that might be changing soon, and knowing how to make jarred pasta sauce taste better is more important than ever.

In case you haven’t heard, Rao’s was recently bought by Campbell’s leading concerned internet citizens to worry about the famed recipe. Campbell’s, however, has been very clear that it won’t be changing the recipe. But if you’re still worried knowing what to add to jarred pasta sauce to make it tastier could help you relax.

Online, you might see people begging Campbell’s not to change the beloved varieties of Rao’s sauce, and if you share those concerns (despite the acquiring brands’ statements) you can start jazzing up jarred pasta sauce by adding fresh herbs.

Basil, oregano, or even an Italian seasoning blend can all add a new layer of flavor to jarred sauces. Stir in a teaspoon of your favorite herbs, heat the sauce, and enjoy!

When you want to make store-bought pasta sauce better, the goal should always be to deepen the flavor. Since pasta sauce is mostly tomatoes, start by adding more tomato flavor with tomato paste. Tomato paste is heavily concentrated and when stirred into a jarred sauce, it will provide a richer, deeper flavor to your favorite pasta dish in a matter of minutes.

You can also add more aromatics to a jarred sauce. Saute some garlic and onions and toss them in to provide a more homemade feel. You can also make it your own by tossing in some chunky, cooked vegetables. It’s a great way to thicken the sauce, add more flavor and texture, and get some nutrients into your kids if you have a family of picky eaters!

While Campbell’s has promised to keep Rao’s recipe, some fears might not be assuaged. If you want peace of mind knowing how to make store-bought pasta sauce better is a built-in back-up plan. Unleash your inner chef, try some of these easy additions, and you can make just about any jarred pasta sauce taste closer to homemade.