Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of pasta drenched in rich, flavorful sauce. I’ve made countless versions of tomato sauces over the years, but this easy homemade pasta sauce has earned a permanent place in my weekly rotation. It’s the one I turn to on busy weeknights or lazy Sunday dinners, and every time it delivers exactly what I need—simplicity, warmth, and bold, satisfying flavor.

What I love most about this sauce is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of pantry staples and about 30 minutes, I can transform basic ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered all day. It clings beautifully to spaghetti, rigatoni, or even a spoon when no one’s looking, and it never fails to impress guests or satisfy cravings.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

This recipe checks all the boxes: quick, budget-friendly, and packed with depth. The balance between sweet tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a whisper of heat makes it incredibly versatile. Whether you want a quick dinner idea, a healthy snack with zoodles, or a solid addition to your weekly meal prep, this sauce covers it all. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and easy to scale up.

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What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

For this pasta sauce, I prefer using canned whole San Marzano tomatoes. Their naturally sweet and rich flavor forms a perfect base for sauce-making. Crushed or diced tomatoes also work if that’s what you have on hand. If using fresh tomatoes, go for ripe plum or Roma tomatoes and blanch them first to remove the skins.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder will work in a pinch. No olive oil? Use butter or avocado oil instead. You can make this sauce vegan by skipping the cheese garnish or swapping it for nutritional yeast. Want a protein boost? Add ground beef, Italian sausage, or lentils. It’s also easy to spice things up with chili flakes or cool it down with a splash of cream for a rosé-style twist.

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Ingredients for this Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

• Olive Oil – This forms the base of your sauce, helping to sauté the aromatics and deepen the flavor.
• Yellow Onion – Provides a sweet, mellow base and builds umami as it caramelizes.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with richness and classic Italian flair.
• Canned Whole Tomatoes (San Marzano preferred) – The heart of the sauce, giving body, sweetness, and acidity.
• Salt – Enhances all the natural flavors in the sauce.
• Black Pepper – Adds a subtle sharpness and balances sweetness.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, but they give a gentle kick that elevates the flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil or Dried Oregano – Fresh basil adds brightness; oregano gives a deeper, earthy tone.
• Sugar (optional) – A tiny pinch helps round out the acidity of the tomatoes, if needed.

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Step 1: Heat the Oil

Pour about 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium heat until shimmering. This is where the flavor journey begins—don’t rush it.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add your chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant—avoid letting it brown.

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Step 3: Add the Tomatoes

Crush the whole canned tomatoes by hand or use a spoon to break them up as you add them to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

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Step 4: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in chopped fresh basil or a pinch of dried oregano. Let the sauce bubble gently, uncovered, for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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Step 5: Adjust and Blend (Optional)

Taste and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch of sugar. If you like a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or standard blender to purée the sauce to your liking.

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Step 6: Serve or Store

Serve hot over your favorite pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese. If not serving immediately, let it cool before storing it in the fridge or freezer.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Prep Time:

Prepping the ingredients—chopping onions and garlic—takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Using canned tomatoes cuts down a lot of time, making this recipe super accessible.

Cook Time:

Once everything’s in the pot, the sauce needs around 25 minutes to simmer. During this time, flavors meld, the sauce thickens, and the magic really happens. Altogether, you’re looking at a total of about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish.

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Tips for Perfect Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes—San Marzano makes a big difference.
• Let the onions cook slowly for extra sweetness and depth.
• Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
• Adjust seasoning at the end after tasting.
• Add a splash of reserved pasta water when combining with pasta for better sauce coating.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking garlic: It turns bitter quickly, so just sauté until fragrant.
• Skipping seasoning: Salt and pepper are essential—taste and adjust!
• Using poor quality tomatoes: It’s the star ingredient, so don’t compromise here.
• Not simmering long enough: The sauce needs time to thicken and develop flavor.
• Blending too hot: If you’re using a blender, let the sauce cool slightly to avoid splattering.

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What to Serve With Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce?

1. Classic Spaghetti

You can’t go wrong with the timeless pairing of spaghetti and red sauce. Simple, comforting, and satisfying.

2. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and loaded with garlic—perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.

3. Grilled Chicken

For a protein-packed option, grilled chicken adds heartiness without overshadowing the sauce.

4. Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant complements the sauce with earthy flavors.

5. Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

A light, acidic salad cuts through the richness and balances the meal beautifully.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

This sauce is perfect for batch cooking. Freeze in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label with date and portion size.

Reheating:

Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/2 cup)

• Calories: 90 kcal
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best type of pasta for this sauce?

Spaghetti is a classic, but this sauce pairs well with penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even ravioli.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and freezer, making it great for meal prep.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large enough pot and stir frequently.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes—blanch, peel, and crush them first. Plum or Roma varieties work best.

How do I make it creamy?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a luscious, creamy version.

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Conclusion

This easy homemade pasta sauce is proof that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. With pantry staples and a little time, you can create a deeply satisfying sauce that works with almost anything—from classic pasta dishes to creative weeknight meals. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to jarred sauce again.

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