30-Minute Pasta Sauce
A vibrant, easy-to-make pasta sauce packed with fresh garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Its rich tomato flavor and fragrant seasonings make it a versatile choice for family meals or entertaining guests seeking authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop garlic and onion very fine.
- Saute garlic and onion in olive oil until soft.
- Add chopped tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a light boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If fresh basil is unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. You can also replace chopped tomatoes with crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture, making it versatile for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, for a quick meal. It pairs beautifully with Bruschetta Al Pomodoro as a starter or a side of garlic bread. Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving for extra flavor. This sauce also complements grilled chicken or vegetables nicely, making it a great addition to any Italian-style dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pasta sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 30-Minute Pasta Sauce contains roughly 89 calories, with 1g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 591mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if preferred. Blanch, peel, and chop about 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes to replace the large can of chopped tomatoes. This will provide a fresher taste but may require additional cooking time to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This 30-Minute Pasta Sauce is naturally vegan, as it contains no animal products. It's a great option for those following vegan recipes, and you can enhance its flavor with nutritional yeast instead of cheese if desired.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a splash of water or vegetable broth while it simmers. Stir well to incorporate, and continue to adjust until you reach your preferred consistency. This is a common issue and easily fixable!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).