Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 to 5 cloves fresh garlic preferably grown in USA/Europe
not in a jar, dried, powdered, or frozen
- small bunch of fresh Italian parsley
finely chopped, my family likes to use parsley in sugo
- 1 about 800g carton/jar of whole
chopped tomatoes or puree any tomatoes listed on the Greatest Tomatoes from Europe site will be fantastic or about 1 lb of fresh tomatoes, 28-32 oz
- about 1 1/2 level tsp sea salt
- 3 or 4 large leaves of fresh basil
more to add to each plate, if desired
Directions
- 1
Pour the oil into a large saute pan (not a deep pot) over medium high heat. Crush the garlic and add it to the oil (if you want a spicy sauce, you can add some hot pepper, fresh or flakes, at this point). Saute the garlic until it just starts to brown, then add the parsley.
- 2
Turn the heat up to high. Now add the tomatoes, and quickly cover with the lid for about 30 seconds, until the squirting subsides. Stir with a wooden spoon and lower the heat a little. It is important that this sauce is cooked at a fast simmer, as it is cooked briefly.
- 3
Add the salt and continue to simmer at a fast pace, and stir often.
- 4
The sauce will thicken quickly, so do not overcook it, and have it become too thick; about 5 to 7 minutes should be sufficient.
- 5
Taste the sauce, if it doesn't taste delicious, it probably just needs a little more salt. Turn off the heat and add the fresh basil (I tear mine into pieces). Also, unless absolutely necessary, do not wash your basil. Wipe it with a damp paper towel instead, so the water doesn't ruin the flavor and aroma.
- 6
Use as desired.
Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/classic-tomato-pasta-sauce-recipe-3992836-hero-01-8ad6cb1d12564635a23a0bfcdaee9980.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 497 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Dreaming of a vibrant, authentic Italian tomato sauce for your pasta, but short on time? This recipe delivers rich, homemade flavor in a flash, perfect for any weeknight meal that tastes anything but rushed. You'll love how easily it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Why This Sauce Works
The secret to this sauce's incredible depth, despite its quick preparation, lies in choosing high-quality ingredients like robust extra virgin olive oil and premium whole or fresh tomatoes. The generous use of fresh garlic and aromatic basil are non-negotiables that elevate the sugo, ensuring a bright, clean taste that truly shines through.
What to Expect
Prepare for a beautifully balanced, rich tomato sauce with a warm garlicky undertone and the sweet perfume of fresh basil. Depending on your choice of tomatoes—whether whole, chopped, or pureed—the sauce can range from rustic with delightful texture to perfectly smooth, always clinging beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s a comforting, classic flavor that transports you straight to an Italian kitchen.
Customization & Variations
This recipe offers wonderful flexibility with its core ingredients. You can easily adjust the amount of fresh garlic from 1 to 5 cloves to suit your taste. For the tomatoes, choose between high-quality canned whole, chopped, or puree varieties like Mutti or Bionaturae. Alternatively, when fresh tomatoes are in season, opt for flavorful San Marzano, Roma, or cherry tomatoes. While fresh Italian parsley adds a lovely, bright note (as my family likes to use parsley in sugo), feel free to adjust the amount to your preference.
Serving & Context
This versatile sauce is ideal for a comforting family dinner or a quick yet elegant meal with friends. Serve it generously over your favorite pasta, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for garnish.