Classic Tomato Sauce for Pasta

Classic Tomato Sauce for Pasta

from thespruceeats.com
35 min

Making your own pasta sauce is so easy that you'll wonder why you needed the jar. This flavorful red sauce uses canned tomatoes for a quick pasta dish.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes in puree
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather the ingredients.

  2. 2

    Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large saucepan, like this one from Amazon, over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, finely chopped (about 2 cups), and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Add 2 medium cloves minced garlic and cook until just fragrant.

  3. 3

    Add 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes in puree tomatoes, 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 pinch red pepper flakes, if using. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer.

  4. 4

    Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 20 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired.

  5. 5

    Serve with your favorite pasta, and enjoy.