Basic Italian Sauce
A rich, flavorful Italian tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of onion, perfect for pasta dishes, suitable for family meals and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a hot skillet.
- Add olive oil to the skillet.
- Heat until hot, then add minced garlic and stir until it starts to turn color.
- Quickly add diced onion to cool the garlic and stir until onions are clear.
- Add basil, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper; stir well to mix the spices.
- Add crushed Italian tomatoes and turn down to low heat.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour.
- Within the hour, add tomato paste and stir several times, remembering to stir from the bottom of the skillet.
- If your skillet isn't big enough, use a larger pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. If you don't have crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes can work, but be sure to blend them for a smoother texture. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried; just increase the quantity since they are less concentrated. If you prefer a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to taste. This sauce also complements dishes like Round Steak Italiano.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Basic Italian Sauce over your favorite pasta for a classic meal. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Delicious Pasta Salad for a hearty lunch or dinner. You can also use it as a base for pizza or in casseroles. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basic Italian Sauce contains roughly 1476 calories, with 22g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2359mg per serving (103% 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. About 12-15 medium tomatoes will yield the same amount as 8 cans of crushed tomatoes. Blanch and peel them before adding to the sauce, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I thicken my sauce if it's too watery?
If your sauce turns out watery, simmer it uncovered on low heat for an additional 15-30 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of corn starch mixed with water to help thicken it quickly.
Can I prepare this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply reheat when you're ready to serve. It's perfect for meal prep!
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).