Mega Batch Tomato Basil Sauce for Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · ·

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A robust tomato sauce made in large quantity, perfect for pasta nights or meal prepping. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, blends Olive oil, Onion, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 8 Italian cuisine 80 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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