Easy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
This Easy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce is fresh, flavorful, and made with just a handful of pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect go-to sauce for weeknight meals, pasta dinners, or make-ahead meal prep. With no added sugar and full tomato flavor, it’s a light and wholesome option that comes together in 25 minutes.
Ingredients List
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
½ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Cooked pasta of choice, for serving
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if using.
Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Stir in fresh basil and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Serve over hot cooked pasta or store for later use.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings
Makes about 4 servings of sauce
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 120
Carbs: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days
Freezes well for up to 2 months
Reheat on the stove or microwave
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with spaghetti, penne, or ravioli
Add sautéed vegetables, ground meat, or grilled chicken
Use as a base for pizza or baked pasta dishes
Seasonal Relevance
Perfect for summer with fresh basil and tomatoes
Also great year-round using canned tomatoes for convenience
Conclusion
This tomato basil pasta sauce is quick, healthy, and full of bold, fresh flavor. Whether you’re prepping ahead or making a fast weeknight meal, it’s a classic you’ll come back to again and again.
Easy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
4
servings5
minutes20
minutes120
kcalA simple homemade tomato basil sauce made with pantry staples—light, fresh, and perfect for any pasta.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
½ cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Cooked pasta of choice, for serving
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if using.
- Simmer the sauce for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in fresh basil and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
- Serve over hot cooked pasta or store for later use.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for best flavor
Let the sauce simmer longer for a deeper, richer taste
Blend for a smooth texture or leave chunky if preferred
FAQs
Q1: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes—blanch, peel, and chop 6–8 fresh tomatoes.
Q2: How do I make it creamy?
Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end.
Q3: Is this sauce kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s mild, smooth, and customizable.
