When it comes to pasta sauces, we offer more variety than we do in some other food categories. While you may only desire the singular, best Organic Ketchup [sku 55860] to satisfy your ketchup cravings, your cravings for different styles of pasta sauce may fluctuate day to day, meal to meal. With this in mind, we concluded that our assortment of sauces was missing a richer, bolder, tomato-based option. This is where Trader Joe’s Thick, Bold & Spicy Red Sauce comes in!

The name sort of says it all, but let’s break it down a bit... This Red Sauce begins as any homemade tomato sauce might, with diced tomatoes in juice, tomato paste, garlic, diced onion, and oil (we opted for extra virgin olive oil here). The addition of basil, honey, and sun-dried tomatoes work together to develop a more nuanced flavor profile than a standard red sauce. So far, so Bold—where’s the Spicy? The heat comes with a carefully concocted combo of peppers that includes crushed red pepper, ancho chili pepper powder, black pepper, and paprika. Finally, all these ingredients are simmered until reaching a Thick, rich texture.

Trader Joe’s Thick, Bold & Spicy Red Sauce is so good on all kinds of pasta, from Organic Spaghetti to Chickpea Fusilli. Beyond pasta, it also works incredibly well as a tasty dipping sauce for your oven-warmed Ciabatta Baguette, or for TJ’s ready-to-bake Organic Garlic Bread.