Description
This homemade pasta sauce is rich, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients that create the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami. Slow-simmered to perfection, this sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, lasagna, and even pizza. Say goodbye to store-bought sauce—this easy pasta sauce recipe is all you need for a comforting Italian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Mix in sugar, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and the bay leaf.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. (For deeper flavor, simmer up to 60 minutes.)
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a meat sauce: Brown ground beef or Italian sausage before adding the tomatoes.
- For a spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a chopped chili pepper.
- For a chunky sauce: Leave some tomato pieces unblended for texture.
- For a creamy sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- For a wine-infused sauce: Add ¼ cup of red wine during the simmering process.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-60 minutes
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian