Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Pasta Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, simmered tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, perfect for coating pasta and bringing out the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. This italian-inspired mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 80 minutes blends olive oil, yellow 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 480 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Meanwhile, cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
  6. Step 6: Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Toss pasta with sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Pasta Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked 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 Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Pasta 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.

Is Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Pasta Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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