Forktionary

Basic Tomato Sauce For Pasta Recipe

Elevate your pasta nights with this incredibly versatile basic tomato sauce! A simple yet flavourful foundation, this recipe is easily customizable to create countless delicious variations. From spicy arrabiata to creamy dream sauces, the possibilities are endless. Learn the secrets to a perfectly balanced tomato sauce, then unleash your creativity with additions like bacon and peas, olives and capers, Italian sausage and red wine, or simply enjoy its rich, vibrant taste on its own. This recipe is your go-to for quick, easy, and incredibly delicious pasta perfection!

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 35.5 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 5.0 (2 Reviews)
Basic Tomato Sauce For Pasta 18

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Tomato Sauce For Pasta

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cook Smarter with Sous, Your Kitchen Companion

Missing an ingredient for this Basic Tomato Sauce For Pasta? Need a perfect wine pairing or a healthy side dish idea? Don't guess—ask Sous! Your AI-powered sous-chef is ready to help you swap ingredients, adjust serving sizes, and discover flavor tips in seconds.

How to Make Basic Tomato Sauce For Pasta

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until softened.
  2. Add one (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme).
  3. Bring to a simmer, then increase heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
  4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, sugar, or herbs to your liking.
  5. Carefully transfer the sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
  6. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, or let cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

19g

Fat

0g

Carbs

2g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

European Italian Mediterranean Healthy Vegetarian Vegan Gluten Free 30 Minutes Or Less

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Low Protein Healthy Lunch Main Dish Pasta Vegetables European Low Fat Dietary Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Low Carb Inexpensive Healthy 2 Low In Something Pasta Rice And Grains Tomatoes