McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix, 1.37 oz — No Artificial Flavors, Quick 15-Minute Pasta Sauce

McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix is an easy-to-make packet blend of onion, garlic, basil and paprika that turns tomato paste into a rich, Italian-style pasta sauce in about 15 minutes.

If you want homemade-tasting pasta sauce without chopping a dozen ingredients, this seasoning mix simplifies the process while keeping bold, familiar flavors. The 1.37 oz packet is formulated to combine with water and tomato paste (plus optional oil or butter) to produce a thicker, zesty sauce suitable for spaghetti, baked pastas, lasagna or even pizza. It contains no artificial flavors and no added MSG (beyond naturally occurring glutamates), making it a pantry-friendly shortcut for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or quick family meals.

How do I make a robust sauce from one packet?

Preparing a rich sauce with this mix is straightforward: mix the seasoning with water and tomato paste, then simmer until the flavors meld. Optional fat such as olive oil or butter adds sheen and mouthfeel, while a short simmer concentrates the sauce for a thicker finish.

• Combine packet, specified water, and 6 oz tomato paste; stir until smooth.
• Add 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for richness, if desired.
• Simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking and deepen flavor.
• Adjust salt or a pinch of sugar to taste after simmering.

What dishes can I use this seasoning mix for beyond spaghetti?

This mix is formulated for versatility: use it wherever a thick, zesty tomato sauce is welcome. It makes a quick pizza sauce, a baked ziti sauce, a filling for ravioli or a base for meatballs, and it pairs well with added vegetables or proteins.

• Ladle over cooked spaghetti, penne, ziti or rotini for a fast meal.
• Spread on pizza crust, then top and bake for a homemade pizza night.
• Mix with cooked ground beef or sausage for meat-filled casseroles.
• Add sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms to build a garden-style sauce.

How can I customize the flavor and texture for my family?

The mix accepts simple tweaks to suit preferences—from milder to bolder, thinner to thicker. Small additions let you tailor sweetness, heat, and texture without extra time-consuming prep.

• For milder kids’ meals, reduce added paprika or stir in a teaspoon of sugar to balance acidity.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
• Stir in grated Parmesan or a splash of cream for a creamier, richer sauce.
• For chunkier texture, fold in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or a cup of sliced mushrooms.

How does this packet fit into quick weeknight cooking?

Designed for speed and consistent flavor, one packet shortens sauce prep time while still delivering a hearty taste. It keeps pantry space light by replacing multiple jars or a long ingredient list, so you can get a hot, family-ready plate on the table fast.

• Make a complete pasta dinner in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Use as a meal-prep base—double the packet ratio for larger batches and refrigerate or freeze extras.
• Combine with pre-cooked pasta or frozen meatballs for super-quick dinners.

Who is this for? McCormick Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix works well for busy families, students, or anyone who wants classic Italian-inspired sauce flavor without the prep time. It’s ideal for cooks seeking a reliable pantry shortcut that adapts easily to personal tastes—whether you’re feeding picky children, batch-cooking for the week, or finishing a homemade pizza. Keep a packet on hand to transform tomato paste into a flavorful, thick sauce whenever you need a fast, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Salt, Corn Maltodextrin, Onion, Tomato Powder, Garlic, Spices (Including Basil and Paprika), Green Bell Pepper & Natural Flavor.