Pasta Sauce

This recipe is a simple, homemade pasta sauce that feels warm, familiar, and easy to rely on. It’s the kind of sauce people love because it turns plain pasta into a comforting meal without much effort. Whether it’s a busy evening, a quiet family dinner, or a chilly night when you want something steady, this sauce fits right in. It simmers gently, filling the kitchen with a soft, savory aroma that feels calming. I usually stir it once or twice and let it do its thing on the stove. Pasta sauce like this is all about comfort, flexibility, and making everyday cooking feel a little more relaxed.

a clean high quality image of a bowl 1

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe is made for real kitchens and real schedules. The flavor builds slowly but simply, using ingredients that are easy to keep on hand. It’s weeknight-friendly when you need something quick, and freezer-friendly when you want to cook once and eat later. Leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes meal planning easier and more budget-friendly. You can use it on spaghetti, penne, or baked dishes without changing a thing. Pasta sauce like this is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and flexible enough to adjust for picky eaters. It’s the kind of recipe people save because it works again and again without stress.

a clean high quality image of a bowl

Ingredients

Tip: Use crushed or pureed tomatoes for a smooth, balanced sauce.

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup water
all the ingredients of pasta sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic. Measure out all spices and tomato products so everything is ready. This helps the cooking feel calm and steady once the heat is on.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in garlic and let it warm until fragrant, without letting it brown.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and sugar. Stir until the mixture looks smooth and evenly blended, with a deep red color starting to form.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer gently. Stir occasionally as it thickens slightly and smells rich. The surface should bubble slowly, not splash or boil fast.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe saves time because it uses simple steps and one pot. You can make it while doing other tasks, and it doesn’t need constant attention. It stores well, freezes easily, and reheats without losing texture, which makes it perfect for cooking ahead and saving for later.

Tips & Tricks

  • Cook onions gently
    Rushing this step can leave sharp flavor behind. Let onions soften slowly so the sauce tastes smooth and balanced.
  • Don’t skip the sugar
    A small amount helps balance tomato acidity. Skipping it can make the sauce taste too sharp.
  • Simmer, don’t boil
    High heat can cause splattering and harsh flavor. Gentle heat keeps the sauce calm and rich.
  • Taste before serving
    Adjust salt or herbs at the end. Tomatoes can vary, so small tweaks make a big difference.

Variations

  • Meaty version
    Add cooked ground beef or chicken after the onions soften. Let it simmer with the sauce for deeper flavor.
  • Vegetarian option
    Stir in chopped mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture without meat.
  • Ingredient swap
    Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Blend them first for a smooth result.
  • Flavor or herb boost
    Add fresh basil or parsley at the end for a brighter finish.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic pasta night
    Serve over spaghetti or penne with a sprinkle of cheese for an easy family meal.
  • Baked dishes
    Use as a base for baked pasta or layered casseroles.
  • Simple dipping sauce
    Pair with breadsticks or garlic bread for casual dinners.
  • Meal prep bowls
    Combine with pasta and vegetables for ready-to-go lunches.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge storage
    Store in an airtight container for up to five days. Flavors deepen as it rests.
  • Reheating
    Warm gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of water if thick.
  • Freezing
    Freeze in portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Make-ahead tips
    Cook a double batch and freeze half for future meals.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Rest Time: Not needed
  • Total Time: About 40 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains about 120–160 calories and 3–5 grams of protein. Tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene. Values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores very well.

What’s a common mistake?
Cooking on heat that’s too high.

Can I substitute fresh tomatoes?
Yes, blended fresh tomatoes work.

Why is my sauce watery?
It needs more simmer time.

How long does it keep?
Up to five days refrigerated.

How can I adjust flavor?
Add salt or herbs slowly.

Conclusion

This recipe is meant to feel easy, warm, and dependable. You can adjust the herbs, add extras, or keep it simple depending on what’s in your kitchen. It works for quick dinners, planned meals, and leftovers you’ll actually want to eat. Pasta sauce like this fits into everyday life without feeling heavy or complicated. It’s calm cooking that brings comfort to the table, whether you’re feeding family or just making something familiar for yourself at the end of the day.

Pasta Sauce
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Pasta Sauce

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Pasta Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

140

kcal

A simple homemade pasta sauce made with tomatoes, herbs, and gentle simmering. Cozy, flexible, and perfect for everyday meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon sugar

  • ¼ cup water

Directions

  • Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  • Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
  • Add tomatoes, paste, water, and seasonings.
  • Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

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