Easy Pasta Sauce. It’s so easy to make homemade tomato sauce, you’ll (probably) never buy the stuff in the jar again. Great with pasta, grilled sausages, polenta, and more.
I’m Italian-American. So I don’t even have to tell you that I grew up in a house where tomato sauce was regularly made from scratch. But I’ll tell you anyway: At home, I never ate store-bought sauce during my childhood. Ever.
During those Ragu commercials, where they declared “It’s in there!”, my mom would scoff as if she’d been personally offended by the commercial.
Her sauce was amazing. It cooked for hours and, let me tell you, was the best sauce most folks had ever tried. (Unless they too were Italian-American, then their mother’s or grandmother’s or father’s sauce was the best sauce they’d ever tried.)
The recipe I’m sharing today is not my mother’s sauce.
This tomato sauce cooks in less than an hour but, let me tell you, it’s good.
How good is it?
Glad you asked! It’s so good that my mom likes it.
If you’re in the habit of buying expensive sauce from a jar, this recipe might just help you break that spendy habit.
All you need is a few ingredients and a bit of time.
Crushed Tomatoes
This recipe uses crushed tomatoes. This is key for this sauce. Diced tomatoes work but the consistency of the sauce won’t be the same. Crushed tomatoes tend to vary in thickness from brand to brand and sometimes from season to season. Start the sauce by adding 1/4 cup of water. If your sauce seems thick, add a little more water.
Cook’s Tip: The sauce thickens as it cooks. When you start the sauce, you want it thinner than you want the finished sauce.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic bring a lot of flavor to the sauce. Use one medium onion and three to five cloves of garlic. Yes. You read that right. Three to five cloves. Why the range? If the cloves are small, use more.
This makes a somewhat chunky pasta sauce. The consistency comes mainly from the diced onions. I roughly chop them. If you want a silky smooth sauce, you’ve got three options:
- Dice the onions very finely.
- Dice the onions in a food processor until they’re almost a paste.
- Puree the sauce after it’s finished cooking.
Butter
I don’t know when I started adding a pat of butter to my sauce but I did and, woah, it makes a difference. A mere pat of butter adds a roundness to the sauce that you’ll love.
Dried Basil
I know. I know. All the cool culinary snobs say that dried herbs don’t add any flavor. Do you know what I say? ‘Eff em. Seriously. Buy a good dried basil and you’ll be fine. Is dried the same as fresh? Nope! But it will add flavor.
An easy way to know if the dried basil you’re using is good is to smell it. Even without rubbing it between your fingers, you should be able to detect a summery-basil smell. If you can’t smell anything, it’s probably time to buy a new jar.
Cook Time
This sauce only requires 10 minutes of simmering. Seriously. For a deeper flavor, cook it longer, up to one hour. The longer you cook the sauce, the thicker it gets. Be sure to stir it occasionally and add additional water as needed.
Salt, Pepper, and Other Good Flavors
Think of these ingredients as a starting point. Sometimes you might want to add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of additional red pepper flakes. Other times, you might want to stir in some additional herbs, like oregano, or add freshly grated parmesan at the end of cooking. You can do that with this sauce. It’s yours. Have fun with it!
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Sure! I prefer a thick sauce for pizza; so I’d suggest you cook it until thick before using it on pizza.
How do I freeze tomato sauce?
Allow the sauce to cool completely. Place into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat thoroughly before serving. Adjust consistency as needed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
I wouldn’t. Fresh tomatoes are amazing. But this recipe was developed for canned tomatoes.
Can I can this sauce?
Nope! It’s not an approved recipe for canning.
Can I omit the sugar?
Absolutely! The 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and, believe it or not, does make a difference. If you want to leave it out, go ahead.
Easy Pasta Sauce
Easy Pasta Sauce. Cooks in 10 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic minced or put through a garlic press
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- pinch red pepper flakes about 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pat butter, about 2 teaspoons
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers. Saute the onions, stirring frequently, until they soften and shine, about three minutes. The onions should sizzle and hiss as they cook. Add the garlic. Stir to combine. This prevents the garlic from burning. Cook an additional two minutes. Add the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Add the butter. Stir, cook for about a minute.
-
Add 1/2 can of the crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any stuck on bits. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining tomatoes. Stir in 1/4 cup water. If the sauce seems too thick, add additional water.
-
Allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to up to one hour. If simmering for a longer, stir the sauce occasionally and add additional water as needed to keep the sauce at the correct consistency.
Sarah C. says
We’ve always done canned/jarred pasta sauces, and the last few months I’ve been experimenting with making it from scratch and testing out different recipes I’ve found online. My family said this recipe resulted in the best sauce I’ve made so far and to stick with this one! Thank you so much!
Elizabeth says
Woo-hoo!! That’s awesome! Glad you enjoyed it!
George says
My recipe was very similar but after reading this one I upped my basil, added the suggested sugar, and tried the butter. Amazing!
Elizabeth says
Yay!
Jessica says
This is my go to “easy” sauce recipe!
Shelby says
Great recipe for not having any store bought pre made sauce
Jenni says
Love it!
Babo says
I’m trying it tonight…. Looking forward ??
Babo says
I’m using fresh tomatoes, fresh basil…. Crossing fingers?… Excited though ?
Elizabeth says
Yay! I hope you enjoy the recipe! What are you planning to serve with it?
Belinda says
So good!! No more jar sauce!!
Rick says
Tasty, thanks!
ameerah says
I use fresh tomatoes and did the same thing you posted and it works and tastes just fine Anything fresh is better than canned anyday of the week. I will stick to my homemade fresh tomatoes .
emily says
good for you
Patricia Lynne Vancour says
I recently used a canned sauce out of curiosity because I thought in a hurry what can it hurt? Boy was I sorry in spite of using fresh sausage to zip it up and some crushed red pepper it was horrible! I will give yours a whirl looks like what I’m looking for. Thank you!
Elizabeth says
I hope you enjoy it!
clare greer says
Really good for homemade…I blended mine when it was done simmering and put half a cup of the pasta water in it…was lovely, thick and shiny… Coated the pasta really well
English Rob says
Yep, blended mine for a minute then gentaly heated it. Nice, will make a double batch and can some next time…
Ian P says
Thought I’d try this tonight……Mmmmmm Mmmmmmm!!!
I made a few changes, still fantastic though.
I used canned chopped tomatoes and blitzed them for 5 seconds with an electric tattie masher, swapped out the cloves of garlic (didnt have any) for a teaspoon and a half of garlic puree. Added mushrooms with the onions, I didn’t have any red pepper flakes so added a dash of paprika and used Italian herbs instead of basil. I also added one beef oxo to the tomatoes and threw in some cooked homemade meatballs 3/4 of the way through. All the kids ate it!!! Every last scrap gone.
Elizabeth says
Ian–
You don’t have to say but are you from the UK? An old friend used to call it a ” tattie masher”. I haven’t thought of that in years. You brought me such happy memories.
Christine says
This is the best sauce I’ve ever made! The only thing we did differently is added ground sausage. This will definitely be my go to sauce from now on. Thank you!
Melissa A says
LOVE THIS!! There is a sauce I love but it is expensive. Made this and have to say, it is even better than the one I have been buying! I am thrilled. My friend also loved the sauce and buys it. She is also thrilled with this recipe!! Thank you!
Elizabeth says
Woo-Hoo! I’m glad you both enjoy the easy pasta sauce. It really is one of my favs!
Kellan Havins-Courville says
Very nice. I cooked this with some ravioli and its so good! I love to add more crushed red pepper. One of my favorite spices!
Anna says
This has become my go to pasta sauce recipe! It’s perfect. Thank you!
johnny adams says
SO GOOD! i’ve been wanting to make a sauce with organic, good ingredients and didn’t know the right recipe until this one. so good!
Sidney says
Made this a few weeks ago. Tonight my 4 year old said he wanted it again tonight but with meatballs. This is a really great sauce. Even my wife who lived in Italy for 6 years said this is a great sauce. Thank you!!
brad doerger says
used fresh tomatoes. had to had baking powder , served with chicken parm. Great
Nanci says
This is very good! So glad I tried this recipe. Thank you!
DPatrick says
Third time making this. It has become my go to pasta sauce recipe. Thanks!
Jessica says
Easy, delicious recipe! I had a bunch of cans of crushed tomatoes and no pasta sauce, so I Googled to see if they could be used to make pasta sauce. It passed the taste test for 4 out of 5 of my boys! The youngest is a baby, so he didn’t get a vote lol. This recipe is definitely a keeper!
Jan Kean says
Love this recipe and make it all the time. It’s easy. quick and always successful!
Jan Kean says
Here’s my rating
Alex says
Delicious and easy! My italian momma also has a sauce recipe that takes a whole day to make. This recipe was the perfect alternative when you want to whip something up quick without skimping on the flavor!
Rishab Kohli says
So simple yet so flavorful. Thanks
Taylor says
Used instead of premade sauce in baked chicken parmesan ziti dish. Only change I made was adding grated parmesan to sauce before mixing into my dish, and it was absolutely perfect. Thank you!!
trisha says
this is so bomb i was starting to get tired of eating pasta because i didn’t really like any of the sauces i was making but then i tried this and wow it’s so so good
Rhonda Hinken says
Great sauce and definitely no more jarred spaghetti sauce! Love it?
Vicki-Ann Hughes says
For years I’ve been looking fo an authentic tomato sauce and now I’ve found one!! I make it in batches and use it for so many things; Bolognese, aubergine parmigiana, chicken escalope and many other dishes. I freeze it without blending it and when I defrost will blend depending on the dish. Similarly, I may add a few tablespoons of Greek yoghurt to make a creamer sauce. Love this sauce! So handy to throw on pasta for the kids when I dont feel like cooking (I throw in a cube or two of frozen chopped spinach, as hidden veg. Doesnt alter the flavour so I tell the kids its herbs!). Thank you so much!!
TG says
I now make my pasta sauce from scratch and typically in a hurry due to time constraints. We have a family member that has to be on a low fodmap diet which means no gluten, onions, garlic, garlic. Good luck finding a ready made pasta sauce on the store shelf without those ingredients smh. I now just microwave some garlic (1 min) in olive oil and omit the chunks of garlic from the now garlic flavoured olive oil which I use to fry up diced sweet red peppers, prior to combining the rest of the ingredients. I cannot add onions nor butter but who cares, the recipe still tastes amazing with Barilla’s gluten free pasta. I added oregano in addition to the other spices listed here. However, I used just enough water (much less than suggested) as we prefer a thick sauce. I will be using this recipe from now on! Thank you for sharing this!!!!!
Evelyn S says
Love it! i find a splash of white wine gives this sauce a delicious bite.
Sharon Wheeler says
This sauce is a staple for me now and a 20 in my book!! What’s a lasagna without a great sauce? Thanks for the recipe! It’s fantastic!
Binh Thanh Vu says
It was amazing. I added beef and bacon. It was sooo tasty. My friends all enjoyed it so much.
Elizabeth says
Oh, yum!
Laurie W. says
Making lasagna for my MIL 91st birthday. I used fresh herbs and a mix of beef and sausage in the sauce. It’s awesome e!
Jen E says
This sauce is delicious and so easy! I grew up on sauce from a jar (I know, I know) and I can no longer find the one brand/flavor I like. I dislike all the others I’ve tried. Now with this easy recipe, I have sauce again! I skipped the sugar (don’t keep any in the house) and used fresh basil because I didn’t have dried. I added a bit more red pepper flakes because I like a spicier sauce. So, so yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Elizabeth says
Glad you enjoyed the sauce and I love your tweaks!
HC says
A busy working mom, I gave up and accepted that either we’d have to use jar sauces (and some are quite decent) or cook from scratch that take forever. This sauce was quick and incredibly flavorful. The butter really gives it substance, and all I had around was some reduced fat spreadable butter. Definitely use the sugar, and we grew too much basil during quarantine so used fresh. My two kids, pickiest eaters as can be imagined, each ate 3 bowls.
Elizabeth says
Having too much basil is a wonderful “problem” to have!
TJ says
I have a family member that suffers from IBS and is gluten intolerant. He also cannot eat garlic, onions, basically anything high-fod. Now good luck finding already prepared pasta sauce in the grocery aisle. Thank goodness you posted this recipe which I altered using garlic infused oil and green onions which he can enjoy paired with Barilla gluten free pasta. Your pasta sauce recipe tastes amazing, I love the simplicity of it.
Sketch says
Amazing! It looked and tasted like ‘real’ pasta sauce. Thank you so much for sharing. I think it was the butter that did it.
Kim Shelton says
Loved this recipe, so easy and versatile.
Lauren says
Love this recipe it is my go to pasta sauce. I don’t buy the 28 once can of crushed tomatoes, so instead I use 1 14oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1 14oz can of pattie tomatoes just to give it more texture.
Elizabeth says
I love that!
Alex says
How do you not burn this? I followed the instructions, and was constantly stirring it, but the freaking onion garlic combo is burnt to a crisp.
Elizabeth says
“How do you not burn this?”
Burners vary. To prevent burning, reduce the heat.
Vanessa says
Easy and sooo tasty. Best sauce I’ve ever made
TerryF says
I have been making tomato sauce for years, trying many different recipes, and always adding butter, but have never been really satisfied with the results. Until now! This is by far the fastest, easiest, most delicious and fresh-tasdting pasta sauce going! Thank you!
Connie says
My son said this is,”the bomb.” My husband and daughter requested this sauce over “store bought”
It was so easy. I love it. Thank you for sharing !!!!!!
Caris B. says
I’m 14 yrs old, and I wanted to wow my dad with something new. He’s trying to do a keto diet and I wanted to help out him by cooking dinner for him. I also wanted to make my own sauce to give it the “Wow” factor so I found this one and I was like “Ok, this has a lot of good views!” So I made it with some spaghetti squash noodles, some beef and added a few more spices like Tumeric, Cyan pepper, Salt, Pepper, and Oragano. Oh, and some Piri piri to give it some zest. Thank you SO much for this! It tasted AWESOME!
Elizabeth says
Yay! So glad you liked it. The spaghetti squash dish sounds *delicious*.
Ann says
LOVE this sauce. I am making it for the fifth time.
I am NEVER purchasing jarred sauce again!!
Thank you ☺️
Jennifer Huffman says
SO HAPPY 2 HAVE CAME ACROSS THIS RECEIPE. JUST FINISHED MAKING & I’LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER JAR AGAIN!! WHERE HAS THIS RECEIPE BEEN ALL MY LIFE! HAD NO BASIL. USED ITALIAN SEASONING. DON’T CARE 4 SAGE N IT. NEXT TIME I’LL USE BASIL. THANK YOU 4 SHARING!! SOO DELISH!?
Regina says
Thank you for this delicious, easy sauce recipe! We are dealing with unusual snowstorms in Texas and everyone is advised to stay home. I had all the ingredients for a pasta supper, except the jars of sauce I generally use. Digging in the larder I found a box of finely diced tomatoes – the result is superb and so easy! I won’t wait for another snowstorm to try this again ?!
Elizabeth says
I hope you stay safe and warm!
Dano says
Wow! This is such an awesome sauce! So easy to make. I added my own special touch, like cooking it on an old Rickety stove that cooks everything a little unevenly, so ya, there were a few burnt spots, but even that couldn’t ruin this sauce! Can’t imagine going back to store bought ever again!
Patricia Marie Morrocco says
This may be a silly question but here goes, Can you add shrimp and scallops to this recipe? And if so do I have to do anything different,
Elizabeth says
Not a silly question at all. I’d cook the pasta sauce and then wipe out the skillet. Cook the shrimp and scallop in separate batches and then return the pasta sauce to the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes and then enjoy.
The reason I’d do it this way is because the seafood will overcook if added at the start. I hope this helps!
Tegan says
Best pasta sauce I’ve ever made no joke . Really really nice
Asha says
It was easy and the taste amazing ?