easy pasta sauce
This Easy Pasta Sauce is a flavorful, quick-cooking classic that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or simple pasta dinners.
Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, it delivers rich Italian flavor without hours of simmering.
Key Ingredients in This Easy Pasta Sauce
Olive oil – Adds richness and helps soften the onions, building the flavor base.
Onion – Finely diced onion gives a subtle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes lightly.
Garlic – Essential for bold, aromatic flavor; use freshly minced for best results.
Dried basil – Lends classic Italian herb notes that pair beautifully with tomato.
Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch adds a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
Kosher salt – Enhances and brings out the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Granulated sugar – Rounds out acidity in the tomatoes for a smoother finish.
Butter – Enriches the sauce and adds a silky texture.
Crushed tomatoes – The hearty base of the sauce; choose high-quality for best taste.
Water – Adjusts consistency as the sauce simmers.
How to Make This Easy Pasta Sauce Step-by-Step
Start by sautéing onions in shimmering olive oil until they’re soft and translucent. Add garlic and let it release its aroma without browning.
Stir in basil, red pepper, salt, sugar, and a touch of butter for richness.
Begin building the sauce with half the tomatoes, scraping up flavorful bits from the pan, then reduce the heat and add the rest along with water.
Simmer briefly for a quick sauce, or up to an hour for deeper flavor.
Tips to Perfect Your Easy Pasta Sauce
For a smoother texture, blend the sauce briefly with an immersion blender. If your tomatoes are on the acidic side, an extra pinch of sugar can help. Simmering longer? Stir occasionally and add a splash of water as needed to maintain the desired consistency.
Best Way to Store Leftovers of This Easy Pasta Sauce
Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and crush them. Use about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes for every 28-ounce can.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount or omit them if sensitive to spice.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Just use a large enough pot and increase all ingredients proportionally.
What kind of pasta pairs best?
This versatile sauce works with everything from spaghetti to penne. Use your favorite shape!
Easy Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 pat butter approximately 2 teaspoons
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 28- ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 3 –5 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
- Pinch red pepper flakes approximately 1/4 teaspoon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely diced
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a pan over high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- Introduce the diced onion and sauté, stirring often, until translucent and glossy—about three minutes. As they cook, the onions should audibly sizzle. Incorporate the garlic and stir thoroughly to prevent scorching, cooking for an additional two minutes.
- Mix in the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Blend well. Add the butter and continue stirring for about a minute as it melts.
- Pour in half of the crushed tomatoes and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining tomatoes and stir in the measured water. If the sauce appears overly thick, gradually incorporate more water.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently for at least 10 minutes, or up to one hour. For extended cooking, stir occasionally and add water as necessary to maintain a smooth, pourable consistency.