Homestyle Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
A rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce bursting with fresh basil and garlic, perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes blends extra virgin olive oil, medium, finely diced yellow 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 120 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium, finely diced yellow onion
- 5 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Pour in 1/2 cup water and stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and cover loosely.
- Step 5: Let sauce simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving over cooked pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homestyle Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Homestyle Italian 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 Homestyle Italian 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 Homestyle Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
Is Homestyle Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
