Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce

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

A quick, vibrant tomato sauce made with ripe summer tomatoes and fresh herbs, perfect for pasta or as a dipping sauce. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs plum tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Core and chop tomatoes into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely mince garlic and basil, reserving 1 tbsp for garnish. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add garlic to hot oil and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes; bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Let cool slightly before using. For best flavor, let sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plum tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Tomato and 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 Fresh Tomato and 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 Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce?

Italian one pot 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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