This homemade Italian tomato sauce is a rich, hearty, and flavorful meatless recipe that’s perfect for pasta, dipping, and more. With canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and fresh basil, it comes together quickly and delivers that authentic Italian taste in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
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Pantry-friendly: Uses canned tomatoes and common seasonings.
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Versatile: Ideal for spaghetti, lasagna, dipping, or even as a pizza sauce base.
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Vegan and gluten-free: A plant-based sauce that works with many dietary needs.
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Fresh flavor: Brightened with garlic and fresh basil for a homemade touch.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup finely diced onion
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2 teaspoons minced garlic
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28 oz can crushed tomatoes
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28 oz can diced tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
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1 to 2 teaspoons sugar, to taste
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2 tablespoons fresh basil
Directions
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Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tender, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a spoon to help break down the diced tomatoes as the sauce thickens.
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Finish and serve: Stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Use immediately over cooked pasta, or let cool and store for later.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8 cups
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: Sauté chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
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Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta for a creamy tomato sauce.
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Spicy kick: Increase the crushed red pepper for a spicier version.
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Boost the herbs: Add oregano, thyme, or parsley for a more herbaceous profile.
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Meat option: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or turkey for a meaty marinara.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a heat-safe bowl.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to peel and simmer them longer. Roma or plum tomatoes work best.
Do I need to add sugar?
Sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavor improves over time, making it a great make-ahead option.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or any pasta shape pairs wonderfully with this sauce.
Is this sauce good for pizza?
Yes, just blend it smooth and reduce the simmering time to keep it thick for pizza use.
Can I leave out the crushed red pepper?
Yes, if you’re sensitive to spice, feel free to omit it or reduce the amount.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can simmer the sauce longer to reduce and thicken it.
How can I make this oil-free?
Sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of vegetable broth or water instead of olive oil.
How long does homemade tomato sauce last in the fridge?
It will last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This hearty, homemade Italian tomato sauce brings comfort and flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re dressing pasta, layering lasagna, or dipping crusty bread, this versatile sauce is a must-have recipe for every home cook. Enjoy it fresh or freeze a batch for easy meals anytime!
Print
Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty Italian sauce recipe is made with canned tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, and fresh basil. It’s rich, meatless, and perfect for pasta, dipping, or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup finely diced onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper, sugar, and fresh basil.
- Bring to a low simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the diced tomatoes as it cooks.
- Serve warm over pasta or use as desired in your favorite Italian recipes.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes based on your taste preference.
- This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend with an immersion blender after cooking.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a richer flavor, if available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
