Description
This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is a rich, hearty blend of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs that delivers authentic Italian flavor in under an hour. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or meatballs, it’s a pantry-friendly, family-favorite recipe that’s freezer-friendly and gluten-free. Ditch the jarred sauce—this from-scratch tomato sauce is easy, customizable, and so much better.
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)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add tomato paste and stir for a minute to deepen the flavor.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. If desired, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce to a smoother consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh herbs just before serving.
8. Serve over cooked pasta or use in your favorite Italian recipes.
Notes
Use San Marzano tomatoes if possible for the richest flavor.
For a meatier version, brown ground beef or sausage before adding the onions.
Letting the sauce sit overnight in the fridge enhances the flavor even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg