Easy Pasta Sauce
A quick and flavorful homemade pasta sauce with fresh vegetables, tomato, and herbs, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large garlic clove, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cups tomato sauce (from 2 8oz cans) ⓘ
- 2/3 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and garlic in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, bay leaf, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Heat to boiling, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve over hot cooked pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar to the sauce. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute the green pepper with chopped zucchini or mushrooms for a different taste. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just double the amount for optimal flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta sauce pairs beautifully with hot cooked pasta of your choice or can be used in dishes like Broccoli And Spaghetti Casserole for a comforting meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner. For a lighter option, consider tossing it with zoodles or whole wheat pasta for added nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick meal later.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pasta Sauce contains roughly 322 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (128% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2105mg per serving (92% 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 make this sauce in advance?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just prepare it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving for the best results.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and stir it into the sauce while it’s simmering until it thickens.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this pasta sauce is naturally vegan! It contains no animal products, making it a great choice for those following a vegan diet. You can enhance its nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during cooking for more flavor and texture.
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).