Creating a mouthwatering tomato sauce pasta doesn’t have to be complicated. I’ve found that simplicity often yields the most delicious results.
You’ll only need a handful of quality ingredients to make an authentic Italian tomato sauce that will transform your pasta dish.
Think fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and rich extra virgin olive oil. I love how easy and quick it is to put everything together, ensuring you spend more time enjoying your meal rather than cooking it.
Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing dinner guests, these key ingredients make all the difference.
To give your sauce a burst of freshness, try adding some fresh basil right before serving. It’s incredible how just a small addition can elevate the flavor profile. Using Kosher salt can help bring out the savory essence of the tomatoes. It’s these little touches that can make your homemade pasta sauce truly stand out.
Why You Will Love Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe
You will fall for this traditional Italian tomato sauce because it’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Made from San Marzano tomatoes, this authentic Italian sauce offers a rich and delicious taste that represents the heart of Italian cuisine.
Versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Whether paired with penne, spaghetti, or even used as a pizza base, this Italian tomato pasta sauce complements a variety of dishes, making it a staple in any kitchen.
The health benefits are impressive, too. This sauce is made with fresh, wholesome ingredients like ripe tomatoes and olive oil, which add both flavor and nutrition. Unlike jarred sauces, it has no unnecessary sugars or preservatives.
Crafting this authentic Italian recipe is rewarding with every bite. You get to experience the warmth and comfort of Italian cooking, creating something wonderful with just a few simple steps.
It’s not only about satisfying your taste buds but also about connecting with the rich history of Italian pasta sauce. When you make sugo al pomodoro, you’re not just making food; you’re bringing a piece of Italy into your home.
How To Make Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe
Creating a delicious tomato sauce pasta dish is all about selecting the right ingredients and using simple steps to bring out the best flavors.
Ingredients
To make a flavorful tomato sauce pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) high-quality crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Pasta of your choice, such as penne or spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
The key here is using high-quality tomatoes and fresh herbs like basil to give the sauce depth and authenticity.
Instruments
For this recipe, you’ll need the following instruments:
- Medium saucepan: Essential for simmering the sauce evenly.
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the pasta.
- Wooden spoon: Used for stirring the sauce.
- Immersion blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, this tool helps.
- Strainer or colander: Necessary for draining the pasta.
- Ladle or serving spoon: Helpful for mixing pasta with sauce when serving.
These tools will keep your cooking process smooth and efficient, ensuring each component is perfectly prepared.
Step By Step Instruction
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes and tomato paste into the saucepan. Stir in dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add chopped fresh basil leaves during the last few minutes.
- Cook your chosen pasta in boiling salted water following package instructions. Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water.
- Drain pasta and return it to the pot. Mix pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
- Serve immediately with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade tomato sauce pasta.
Tips & Tricks
Making homemade tomato sauce can be simple and fun. Start with the freshest tomatoes you can find. If ripe tomatoes are out of season, canned ones work well too. Try both to see which flavor you prefer.
A secret to flavorful sauce is using high-quality ingredients. Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs like basil or oregano can transform a basic sauce. You can even add a splash of red wine for depth.
When cooking, simmer the sauce low and slow. Letting it cook longer allows the flavors to blend better. If you’re in a rush, a quick homemade tomato sauce can still taste great. Just keep it simple and flavorful.
Try freezing your sauce for later. Homemade sauce freezes well, making it a freezer-friendly option for busy nights. Pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags and label with the date.
Making a homemade Italian tomato sauce can be a special treat. You could use a family recipe or create your own version with a mix of fresh and dried herbs. Play around to find what you love.
Remember to taste your sauce as you go. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Your taste is what matters most, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.
Ingredient Substitute
Finding the right substitute for tomato sauce in pasta dishes can be a lifesaver when you’re out of ingredients or want to try something new. Several options can fill in seamlessly, bringing their unique flavors to your meal.
For a classic touch, marinara sauce is a great stand-in. It’s a bit chunkier but blends well with any pasta. If you have pizza sauce on hand, it can also add a savory twist to your dish.
Try using San Marzano tomatoes or Italian peeled tomatoes to create a fresh, tangy base. Blend them for smoothness, and season with herbs for an Italian flair.
If you like a richer taste, mix tomato paste with water. This thickens the sauce, giving you a heartier texture. Add a splash of red wine to enhance depth.
For those who love a bit of creaminess, a creamy tomato sauce or pink sauce can add a mellow, velvety finish to your pasta. This is ideal for dishes where a softer, milder flavor is desired.
In meat-based dishes like ragu or meat sauce, you might consider crushed tomatoes. They pair well with meats and give a robust flavor profile that stands up to hearty ingredients.
Lastly, if you’re preparing a vegetarian sauce, using pomodoro San Marzano tomatoes can deliver a fresh, vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with vegetables and herbs.
What To Serve With Tomato Sauce Pasta Recipe
When you’re serving tomato sauce pasta, picking the right side dish can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious ideas that pair well with pasta.
1. Fresh Green Salad
A fresh green salad brings a crisp and refreshing contrast. Toss some lettuce, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes with a simple vinaigrette.
2. Char-Grilled Ciabatta
Char-grilled ciabatta is a classic option. Its crunchy texture complements the softness of pasta. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic for extra flavor.
3. Garlic Bread
You can never go wrong with classic garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky taste enhances the rich tomato flavor of your pasta dish.
4. Sautéed Vegetables
Sautéed vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, add both flavor and nutrition. Cook them briefly until they’re just tender for the best taste.
5. Gnocchi
Gnocchi can be a hearty addition. These soft, pillowy dumplings go well with the tomato sauce, almost like a mini-second course.
6. Baked Ravioli
Baked ravioli offers another pasta texture. Simply bake the filled pasta with a little cheese for a side that complements your main dish.
Mix and match these options based on what you have at home or what you enjoy most.
Nutrition Fact
When you enjoy a plate of pasta with tomato sauce, it’s good to know what’s in it. Here are the nutrition facts you need:
- Calories: Around 168-180 calories per cup.
- Water: Comprises about 75% of the dish.
- Protein: Provides 3.7% protein content.
- Carbohydrates: Makes up roughly 20.1% of the meal.
- Fats: Contains around 0.5-1g of fats.
The vitamins and minerals in your tomato sauce pasta include:
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 0.3 to 0.4g.
- Cholesterol: Contains 2.5 mg.
- Calcium: Delivers around 42.5 mg, essential for your bones.
- Iron: Offers about 2.6 mg, important for blood health.
- Potassium: Provides 440 mg, which helps in many bodily functions.
- Vitamin A: Supplies 37.50 mcg, important for your vision.
Eating pasta with tomato sauce can also give you some vitamin C and D. While vitamin C is available at 2.5 mg per serving, the dish has no significant vitamin D.
Remember, these values can change with different recipes or portion sizes, so keep an eye on your serving amounts!
Tomato Sauce Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- colander
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta spaghetti or penne
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until fragrant and golden.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
