Tomato Pasta Sauce
A vibrant tomato pasta sauce with fresh herbs, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or serving over your favorite pasta for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a food processor or blender, combine chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Process until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs can be a great substitute; just use one-third of the amount. You can also enhance the sauce with sautéed onions or garlic for added depth. This sauce is versatile enough to pair with various pasta shapes, making it a perfect choice for Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this tomato pasta sauce over your favorite hot cooked pasta for a classic dish. It pairs beautifully with Italian Garlic Bread for a complete meal. For a fresh side, consider a light salad like Houston Summer Salad. You can also use this sauce as a base for other dishes, such as a pizza topping or in casseroles.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Pasta Sauce contains roughly 159 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 511mg 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes are a great substitute and can save time. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes or diced tomatoes for similar results. Just be sure to adjust the salt accordingly, as canned tomatoes may already contain added sodium.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during blending. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in the dish if you want to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! This tomato pasta sauce is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. It’s a fantastic option for those following vegan recipes, and you can easily adjust it with extra veggies or legumes for added nutrition.
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).