tomato basil pasta sauce recipe

tomato basil pasta sauce recipe

The Best tomato basil pasta sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share my family’s favorite tomato basil pasta sauce recipe with you. This classic Italian dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s deliciously simple, packed with nutrients, and can be enjoyed on any occasion. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this sauce from scratch.

They get so excited watching the colors mix and the flavors blend together. It’s truly a sensory experience that never gets old. I remember first trying this recipe at a family dinner party years ago, and I was hooked from the very first taste.

The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes is absolute magic. Since then, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it even more accessible and enjoyable for my family. Now, I’m happy to share it with you so you can enjoy it too!

We love serving this sauce over spaghetti or linguine, but feel free to get creative with your favorite pasta shapes or even use it as a dip for veggies or crackers. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can make it as simple or as complex as you like, depending on your mood and ingredients on hand. My family and I adore serving this sauce at family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quick weeknight dinner.

It’s always a crowd-pleaser! Plus, with its high water content and antioxidant properties, tomatoes are an excellent addition to our diets. Fresh basil adds an incredible depth of flavor without adding extra salt or sugar – win-win!

The best part? This sauce freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it all year round. Simply store it in an airtight container in your freezer for up to 6 months and thaw whenever you need it.

Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

4.7 from 1476 votes

A rich and aromatic tomato basil pasta sauce made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. This classic Italian sauce is perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta or using as a pizza base.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

πŸ₯˜Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
6 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for depth)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2Add minced garlic and chopped onion, and saute for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar to the pan.
4Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
5Let the sauce cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the tomatoes break down completely.
6The sauce should reduce by about one-third and have a rich, deep red color.
7Stir in the chopped fresh basil and optional tomato paste.
8Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the basil wilts and the flavors meld together.
9Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

πŸ”§Equipment

Large saucepan
Wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring spoons

πŸ“ŠNutrition Facts (per serving)

πŸ”₯Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7gπŸ’›Saturated Fat: 1g❀️Cholesterol: 0mgπŸ§‚Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 14gπŸ₯¦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 8gπŸ₯©Protein: 3g

πŸ“Notes

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the sauce after cooking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Watch Video Of How Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce Works

This tomato basil pasta sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason – it’s easy to make ahead of time, freezes beautifully for later use, and can be enjoyed on any occasion. Whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution, this recipe delivers every time.

Plus, its high water content and antioxidant properties make tomatoes an excellent addition to our diets. To store your leftover sauce long-term, simply let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in your freezer for up to 6 months.

When reheating your frozen sauce, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as needed – no fuss required! Serve over spaghetti or linguine for an authentic Italian experience.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Q: What type of pasta should I use with this tomato basil sauce?

A: Feel free to get creative with your favorite pasta shapes – spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even rigatoni all work beautifully with this sauce.

Q: Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?

A: While dried basil will still give your sauce a lovely flavor profile, using fresh basil will yield a more vibrant color and deeper taste experience.

Q: How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?

A: You can store tomato basil sauce in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days – just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.

Q: Can I make this sauce without garlic?

A: If you’re not a fan of garlic or have dietary restrictions that exclude it, simply omit the garlic cloves from the recipe – the flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Q: Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

A: Absolutely – this tomato basil sauce recipe is vegetarian-friendly and pairs perfectly with a variety of vegetables or as a dip for cruditΓ©s.

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