A super simple recipe for spaghetti and tomato sauce, perfect to whip up for a quick and easy kid-friendly meal!
Is there anything more reliable for a family dinner than a big pot of pasta? My children are definite pasta fans, and a simple spaghetti and tomato sauce is one of those meals I can make in minutes and know everyone will enjoy. This version is intentionally straightforward — balanced, tasty, and easy to prepare on a busy weeknight.
I often make sauces that hide vegetables for picky eaters — things like a hidden veggie tomato sauce or a butternut squash mac and cheese — but there are nights when what I need is a quick, classic tomato sauce made from store-cupboard staples and a few fresh vegetables. This simple tomato spaghetti does exactly that: it’s minimal fuss, family-friendly, and full of familiar flavors.
The ingredient list is short and the prep time is minimal — most of the effort is chopping the vegetables finely so they cook quickly and blend into the sauce. Finely cutting the onion, carrot and celery ensures they soften in just a few minutes and become less noticeable to fussy eaters while still adding flavor and texture.
Capers add a bright, slightly briny note; chopping them into halves or thirds keeps them from being too large and helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the sauce. The recipe is flexible: if you don’t have capers, omit them or substitute a small splash of olive brine for a similar effect.
This sauce is quick enough to make while the pasta cooks. If you want to plan ahead, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days in a sealed container and freezes nicely for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
If you try the recipe, I’d love to hear how it goes — feel free to share a photo or a comment. It’s always rewarding to see how simple family recipes get adapted to suit different tastes and schedules.
Simple Tomato Spaghetti for Kids
- Author: Ciara Attwell @ My Fussy Eater
- Prep Time: 3 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Main Meal
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A super simple spaghetti and tomato sauce that’s quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and made from easy-to-find ingredients. It’s a dependable weeknight dinner that can be dressed up or kept classic depending on your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tbsp oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1–2 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tins (800g) chopped tomatoes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 20 capers, cut in half or thirds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tip: Finely chopping the vegetables helps them soften quickly and blend into the sauce, making it more palatable for younger children or picky eaters.
Instructions
- Add the butter and oil to a pan and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add the finely chopped carrot, celery and crushed garlic. Fry for another 2–3 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, stir in the dried oregano and the chopped capers. Mix well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle, high simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with cooked spaghetti. Toss the pasta with the sauce before serving for best results.
