No-Fuss Italian Tomato Sauce
A simple, flavorful Italian tomato sauce featuring garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes, it suits busy weeknights and seasoned cooks alike seeking a quick, wholesome meal with classic flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in heated olive oil until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add tomato puree to the pan.
- Season with dried thyme, basil, a dash of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. If you don't have dried thyme, oregano makes a great substitute. Fresh basil can also be used instead of dried for a brighter taste. This sauce can be made in bulk and frozen for later use, perfect for quick dinners like Fasta Pasta - 10 Minute Pasta Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti or your favorite pasta, making it a perfect choice for dishes like Spaghetti Meatballs And Sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. It also works well as a base for homemade pizzas or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring halfway for even heating. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No-Fuss Italian Tomato Sauce contains roughly 177 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 506mg per serving (22% 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 puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh tomatoes, you'll need about 2-3 pounds. Blanch and peel them, then chop and cook them down to create a sauce consistency. This will give your sauce a fresh taste that is perfect for Italian recipes.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
For some heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. This can elevate the flavor profile and make it a great match for spicy pasta dishes.
Is this sauce suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this tomato sauce is completely vegan! It contains no animal products, making it a great choice for anyone following a vegan lifestyle. Pair it with whole grain or legume-based pasta for a wholesome meal.
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).