Sweet crushed tomatoes and aromatic garlic form the backbone of this deeply flavored stovetop sauce. You'll rely on basic pantry staples to build a thick, savory base that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. A pinch of sugar perfectly balances the natural acidity, giving you a smooth finish that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. It's a reliable staple you'll want to keep stocked in your fridge.
Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Total
45 min
Servings
6
Course
Sauce/Condiment
Cuisine
Italian
🧑🍳
Difficulty
Easy
💰
Cost
Budget
🌶️
Spice
Mild
Equipment
Stovetop
Saucepan
Ingredients
2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 large onion, chopped (1 cup)
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1Combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, garlic, oil, sugar, basil, oregano, pepper, and salt in a 3-quart saucepan. Stir well to incorporate the tomato paste.
2Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching.
3Remove the pan from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or sugar if needed before tossing with your favorite pasta.
Notes
Storage: Let the sauce cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 1 year. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: If your canned tomatoes are particularly acidic, add an extra pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.