Mega Batch Tomato Basil Sauce for Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

A robust tomato sauce made in large quantity, perfect for pasta nights or meal prepping. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes blends Olive oil, large, finely chopped 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 80 calories and feeds 8, 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 Olive oil
• 1 large, finely chopped Onion
• 4 cloves, minced Garlic
• 28 oz (2 large cans) Canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp Tomato paste
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1 tsp Dried basil
• 1 tsp (optional) Sugar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
3. Step 3: Add the 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar (if using) to the pot; stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover partially; let it simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving to brighten the flavor.