Low-Heat Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
A gently simmered tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic, perfect for coating your favorite pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes blends extra virgin olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, canned crushed tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté gently for 3 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes and stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar to balance acidity.
- Step 3: Simmer the sauce uncovered on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, allowing the residual heat to infuse the sauce with herbal aroma before serving over pasta.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Low-Heat 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 Low-Heat 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 Low-Heat 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 Low-Heat 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.
Is Low-Heat Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
