This Easy and Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce is a flavorful and versatile sauce made with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, layering it in lasagna, or using it as a base for other dishes, this sauce is a must-have in your recipe collection. It’s thick, rich, and packed with deep tomato flavor—perfect for any pasta lover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples.
- Rich and flavorful – Slow simmering enhances the depth of flavor.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile – Perfect for pasta, pizza, meatballs, or dipping.
- Customizable – Adjust herbs, spices, and add-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Sugar (to balance acidity)
- Italian seasoning
- Basil (fresh or dried)
- Oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Directions
- Sauté the onions: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and sugar. Stir well.
- Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer: Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend (optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce.
- Taste and adjust: Add more seasoning if needed. Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Serve hot over pasta, or use as a base for your favorite dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chunky Version – Add diced tomatoes for extra texture.
- Meaty Sauce – Brown ground beef or sausage before adding tomatoes.
- Creamy Option – Stir in heavy cream or ricotta cheese at the end.
- Vegan-Friendly – Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Herb Boost – Add fresh basil or parsley for a fresher taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Blanch, peel, and chop about 6-8 fresh tomatoes and cook them down in place of canned.
How do I make the sauce less acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of milk to balance the acidity.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when stored for a day or two.
What pasta goes best with this sauce?
It works well with spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or any pasta shape.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer longer, or stir in more tomato paste.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes! Just let it simmer a little longer to thicken before using as pizza sauce.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
What can I serve with tomato pasta sauce?
Pair it with garlic bread, salad, or meatballs for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Easy and Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce is a simple, flavorful, and versatile recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight pasta dish or preparing a homemade lasagna, this sauce is the perfect base for all your favorite Italian-inspired meals. Try it today and enjoy a homemade, restaurant-quality sauce in no time!
Print
Easy and Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This deeply flavorful and velvety tomato sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or dipping. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients but tastes like it simmered for hours!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28oz/800g) crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes, blended)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes & seasonings: Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
- Simmer for depth: Add broth or water and let simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in butter for extra richness and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Toss with pasta, spread on pizza, or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
- Blend the sauce for a smoother texture, or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- Add ½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.