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Traditional, Simple Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce

Indulge in the rich, aromatic goodness of this homemade tomato pasta sauce, where simple, fresh ingredients transform into an irresistible medley of flavors. Sautéed onions and garlic blend seamlessly with juicy crushed tomatoes, simmered to perfection with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil. A subtle hint of sugar balances the tang, while a touch of red pepper adds a gentle heat for depth. Finished with a garnish of fresh basil, this sauce wraps your favorite pasta in a warm, comforting embrace that tastes like an authentic Italian kitchen. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a simple pleasure you’ll savor every time.

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses , ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 35 mins
Servings 4
Estimated Cost $  7
Calories 100 (sauce) 300 (pasta)
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Dietary dairy-free, egg-free, heart-healthy, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, low-fat, nut-free, plant-based, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian
Description

The roots of this timeless tomato pasta sauce trace back to the sun-drenched region of Campania, Italy, where the art of simple, rustic cooking flourishes. Nestled along the southern coast, Campania is famed for its fertile volcanic soil and perfect Mediterranean climate, which give rise to the region’s vibrant, juicy tomatoes—the heart and soul of this dish. In this land of rolling hills and azure sea views, families have passed down their cherished sauce recipes for generations, each pot bubbling with the rich essence of tradition and love.

This is my go-to sauce when I need to feed the family quickly with a simple, delicious meal. If you want to add protein, grilled chicken breast works great! The sauce embodies the spirit of Italian cuisine: a celebration of simplicity, where quality ingredients shine and the taste of the land is infused into every bite.

Pasta Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil (Use a decent extra virgin oil if available)
  • 1 small Onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 14 oz Can of crushed tomatoes ((or use fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped))
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano (Or, 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp Sugar (Optional, to balance acidity)
  • Salt (To taste (salt will enhance the flavor but don't oversalt))
  • Pepper (To taste)
  • Red pepper flakes (Optional, but I love to add for a spicy kick)
  • Fresh basil OR fresh (flat leaved) parsley (For garnish)
Instructions
    Pasta Sauce
  1. Instructions:
  2. 1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  3. 2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. 3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  5. 4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well.
  6. 5. Add the oregano and sugar (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. 6. Lower the heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your liking.
  8. 7. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and add red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice.
  9. 8. Serve over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
    10. Cooking the pasta
  11. Instructions:
  12. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. For every 1 pound (450g) of pasta, use at least 4-6 quarts (4-6 liters) of water to prevent sticking.
  13. Add Salt: Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water. This helps season the pasta. The water should taste slightly salty, like the sea.
  14. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir immediately to separate the pieces. Continue to stir occasionally throughout cooking.
  15. Check for Doneness: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically 8-12 minutes depending on the type. Taste a piece 1-2 minutes before the suggested time to check for an al dente texture (firm but cooked through).
  16. Reserve Pasta Water (Optional): If needed for the sauce, reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of your sauce.
  17. Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander. Avoid rinsing unless you're making a cold pasta salad, as rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
  18. Combine with Sauce: Immediately transfer the drained pasta to your warm sauce in the pan and toss until well coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help bind the sauce and pasta together.
  19. Tip: Serve your pasta hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6g10%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 200mg9%
Potassium 400mg12%
Total Carbohydrate 75g25%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 6g
Protein 12g24%
Vitamin A 500 IU
Vitamin C 10 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Iron 3 mg
Vitamin E 1 IU
Vitamin K 8 mcg
Thiamin 0.5 mg
Riboflavin 0.2 mg
Niacin 3 mg
Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
Folate 40 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
Phosphorus 100 mg
Magnesium 25 mg
Zinc 0.5 mg
Selenium 1 mcg
Copper 0.1 mg
Manganese 0.5 mg
Chloride 20 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Read it online: https://www.canicookit.com/recipe/traditional-simple-italian-tomato-pasta-sauce/