Homemade Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Sauce
Homemade Tomato and Basil Spaghetti Sauce is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired sauce made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, onions, and fresh basil. It’s perfect for pasta, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce, and it’s ready in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir in torn basil leaves and mix well.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered on low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more basil before serving if desired.
Notes
- Blend the sauce for a smoother texture using an immersion blender.
- Add a splash of red wine during simmering for extra depth.
- Roast cherry tomatoes and mix in for a fresher flavor.
- Include sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for added richness.
- Double the recipe and freeze half for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
