Relish-able Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
A bright, herb-forward tomato sauce that embodies 'relish' with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes blends canned crushed tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil, 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 110 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
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/3 cup chopped basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving over cooked pasta or as a dipping sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Relish-able Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Relish-able 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 Relish-able 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 Relish-able 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.
What goes well with Relish-able Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
