Digital Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, herb-forward tomato sauce with perfectly balanced acidity, ideal for coating pasta or as a dipping sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends (800g) canned diced tomatoes, olive oil, (15g), finely chopped fresh basil 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 120 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  3. Step 3: Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil just before serving to preserve its brightness.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Digital Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Digital Tomato Basil 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 Digital Tomato Basil 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 Digital Tomato Basil 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 Digital Tomato Basil 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.

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