Description
This My Favorite Tomato Sauce boasts an irresistible flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta, making it a quick and satisfying meal. With simple ingredients like garlic, onions, and fresh basil, preparing this homemade sauce will make dinner feel special without the fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 8–10 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved lengthwise through the root
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1–2 ounces fresh basil, stems and leaves
- 2–3 Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano, optional
- pinch dried red pepper flakes
- kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the peeled garlic cloves and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden on all sides.
- Add the onion halves, cut-side down, to the pot and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low, add both cans of tomatoes, rinsing with a splash of water to include all juice, then add the butter, Parmigiano rinds, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Lightly crush the basil stems before adding them to the sauce. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a very low boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the onion, cheese rinds, and bulky basil stems. Press the softened garlic cloves into the sauce and break up large tomato chunks if necessary. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as preferred.
- Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta, adding starchy pasta water to thin if needed, then finish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Notes
Fresh San Marzano tomatoes can elevate the flavor, but canned tomatoes work well too.
Adjust the heat of the sauce with more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.
This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week and freezes beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg