Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil Sauce
A vibrant tomato sauce where fresh rosemary infuses the base, with a crispy herb garnish revealing its hidden depth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends tablespoons Olive oil, finely chopped 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 220 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 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped Yellow onion
- 2 cloves, minced Garlic
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped Fresh rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup chopped basil, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Stir in an additional 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary and simmer for 2 more minutes to intensify the flavor.
- Step 4: Serve over cooked pasta, garnished with a sprinkle of crispy rosemary (made by frying the remaining 1 tablespoon rosemary in 1 teaspoon oil until golden, then draining on paper towels).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil 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 Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil 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 Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil 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.
What goes well with Rosemary-Infused Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
