Description
A rich, aromatic pasta sauce made with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and pantry staples. Simmered to perfection in 35 minutes for busy weeknight meals that feel homemade. Perfect for spaghetti, baked pasta, or meal prepping.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
1/2 cup water or low-sodium vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for acidity balance)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for creamy texture)
Instructions
Dice onion into small cubes and mince garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
Cook onion 5-6 minutes until golden and softened
Add garlic and tomato paste, sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant
Stir in crushed tomatoes, water/broth, dried herbs, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sugar
Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer uncovered 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally
Finish with chopped fresh basil and unsalted butter (if using) and adjust seasoning
Notes
Use vegetable broth for a vegan option
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze in airtight containers
Pair with spaghetti, lasagna, or zucchini noodles
For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stewing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg