Description
This homemade spaghetti sauce is a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Slow-simmered to develop deep, savory flavors, this sauce is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta dishes, delivering an authentic Italian taste right from your kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 cup water or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat to prepare the base for cooking the aromatics.
- Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which helps release their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning and bring out its aroma.
- Cook tomato paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to deepen the flavor and reduce its acidity.
- Add tomatoes and liquid: Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes along with water or vegetable broth and stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well to distribute the spices throughout the sauce.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add basil: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to infuse its fresh aroma into the sauce.
- Adjust and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm over your favorite cooked pasta.
Notes
- Using San Marzano tomatoes enhances the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Simmering the sauce longer will intensify its flavor but avoid reducing it too much to prevent dryness.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a smoother sauce, blend partially or fully with an immersion blender before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: spaghetti sauce, homemade tomato sauce, Italian sauce, pasta sauce, easy marinara sauce, San Marzano tomatoes, vegetarian sauce
