Name: Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting pasta dinner without the hassle of store-bought jars, this Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is your perfect match. It’s richly flavored, incredibly simple to whip up, and guaranteed to elevate your spaghetti night to new levels of delicious. With a few pantry staples and a little simmer time, you can make a deeply satisfying sauce that tastes like it came straight from Nonna’s kitchen.

This sauce is a versatile hero in the kitchen. Whether you’re tossing it with al dente spaghetti, layering it into a baked ziti, or spooning it over meatballs, it delivers bold, comforting flavor every time. Say goodbye to bland and hello to the homemade taste of slow-simmered tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a kiss of garlic.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Simple ingredients, big flavor — This recipe doesn’t rely on anything fancy. Just quality pantry staples.
Quick and easy — You can have it ready in under an hour, but it tastes like it simmered all day.
Customizable — Add ground beef, sausage, or veggies to make it your own.
Freezer-friendly — Make a big batch and store some for busy weeknights.
Healthier than jarred sauces — You control the ingredients and skip the preservatives.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you begin, gather your ingredients and prep your tools to streamline the cooking process:

Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven: This is where all the magic happens. A heavy-bottomed pan ensures even heat distribution, preventing your sauce from burning.
Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring without damaging your pan. It also helps you scrape all that flavorful fond off the bottom.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: To chop garlic, onions, and any other aromatics with ease.
Can Opener: If you’re using canned tomatoes (recommended for consistency), make sure yours is ready to go.
Blender or Immersion Blender (Optional): For a smooth finish, though many love the rustic texture of a chunky sauce.

Preparation is key. Have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go before heating your pan — this ensures you don’t miss a beat while building flavor.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Olive Oil: Provides a rich base and helps sauté the aromatics.
Yellow Onion: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
Garlic Cloves: A must-have for savory, aromatic complexity.
Crushed Tomatoes (Canned or Fresh): The foundation of the sauce — choose San Marzano for the best flavor.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and thickens the sauce.
Dried Oregano and Basil: Classic Italian herbs that infuse every bite with warmth.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but great for a subtle kick.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Sugar: Just a touch to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How To Make the Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Build Your Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in your saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomato Richness

Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute to deepen its flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Add your dried herbs, a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, salt, pepper, and a small amount of sugar. Stir, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender right in the pot. Otherwise, leave it chunky for a rustic texture.

Step 5: Taste and Finish

Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add chopped fresh herbs right before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Pasta Sauce

Serve this sauce hot over your favorite cooked pasta. Top it with freshly grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra flavor.

Leftovers store beautifully. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will last:

Up to 5 days in the refrigerator
Up to 3 months in the freezer

Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this sauce thicker?

Simmering longer will naturally thicken the sauce. Tomato paste also helps create a richer consistency.

Can I add meat to this sauce?

Absolutely. Brown some ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage before adding your onions and garlic for a meatier variation.

Can I use fresh tomatoes?

Yes! Use peeled and chopped Roma or San Marzano tomatoes. Simmer them a bit longer to reduce excess liquid.

How do I make this sauce spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Just pair it with gluten-free pasta.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. It tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep or freezing in batches.

Want More Sauce and Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce, you’ll enjoy these cozy, savory dishes too:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can come back to it any time: Kitchen by Kate on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how your sauce turned out. Did you stick with classic or add your own twist? Fresh basil? A splash of red wine? I love hearing about your kitchen experiments!