Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil
A vibrant sauce made with just ripe tomatoes and aromatic herbs, capturing the essence of Italian home cooking without unnecessary complexity. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends San Marzano tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, Fresh basil 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 85 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
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Fresh basil
- 2 cloves minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp Sea salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Pour in canned tomatoes with their juices, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Add 1/2 tsp sea salt and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil 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 Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil?
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 Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil?
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 Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil 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 Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Made it for date night and it was a hit.
- ★★★★★
This is the best tomato sauce I've ever made! My family loved it with spaghetti.
- ★★★★★
Simple and perfect. The San Marzano tomatoes made all the difference.
