Homestyle Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-02 · Updated 2026-07-02

A rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce bursting with fresh basil and garlic, perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 45 minutes, blends extra virgin olive oil, 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. 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.
4. Step 4: Bring sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and cover loosely.
5. 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.