Quick & Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- one 28-ounce can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes
see Recipe Notes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 6-8 cloves garlic
crushed & roughly chopped
- optional: up to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 2-3 sprigs fresh basil
about 6-8 leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- kosher salt & ground black pepper
to season
Directions
- 1
Place the San Marzano tomatoes & their juices in a food processor. Pulse to chop the tomatoes as chunky or smooth as you’d like – I like a good rough chop with some texture. Set aside.
- 2
Add the olive oil & garlic to a medium skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring often to prevent browning, until the garlic is golden & fragrant. If desired, add crushed red pepper flakes & cook 30 seconds – 1 minute longer, stirring often.
- 3
Add the chopped tomatoes from Step 1 to the skillet, along with the fresh basil, granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt & ground black pepper as desired. Stir to combine. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium, & simmer, stirring often, for 8-10 minutes. Once simmered, remove & discard the spent garlic & basil as desired.
- 4
Once the San Marzano tomato sauce is simmered, you can use immediately (toss into your favorite pasta, serve with meatballs, layer into a lasagna, etc.) or you can cool & store for later use (see Recipe Notes for storage & freezing directions). Enjoy!
Quick & Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving the vibrant, fresh taste of homemade tomato sauce but short on time? This Quick & Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce delivers restaurant-worthy flavor with minimal effort, perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Sauce Works
The secret to this exceptional sauce lies in its high-quality ingredients and streamlined approach. Unlike sauces that require hours of simmering, this recipe leverages the inherent sweetness and acidity of real-deal San Marzano tomatoes. Paired with fruity extra virgin olive oil and fragrant fresh basil, it creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that feels both rich and remarkably fresh. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can truly shine.
What to Expect
You'll be greeted with a brilliantly red, smooth sauce bursting with the natural goodness of sun-ripened tomatoes. The San Marzano tomatoes provide a perfect balance, offering a sweet yet tangy base that's incredibly versatile. With just a touch of garlic and a hint of optional crushed red pepper, the sauce maintains a light and fresh character, ensuring it complements rather than overwhelms your dishes. It’s a foundational flavor you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Customization & Variations
Tailoring this San Marzano tomato sauce to your preference is easy. For those who enjoy a little heat, you can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your liking, from a subtle warmth to a more pronounced kick. If you find your tomatoes are exceptionally sweet, you can omit the granulated sugar, though it often helps balance the overall acidity.
Serving & Context
This versatile San Marzano tomato sauce is a true kitchen staple. It's the perfect foundation for pasta dishes, a delightful addition to meatballs, an essential component for pizza night, and an excellent pairing for crispy chicken cutlets. You'll find countless ways to enjoy its fresh, vibrant flavor.