Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
A deeply flavorful tomato sauce simmered for hours with fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, capturing the essence of an Italian nonna's kitchen. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes blends olive oil, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Step 5: If too thick, stir in 1/4 cup water, then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
