Toggle Tomato Basil Sauce
A versatile tomato sauce that balances acidity with a hidden pinch of sugar, transforming into a perfectly harmonized base for any pasta dish. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, blends canned crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, 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 85 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
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 2: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp sugar. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld into a balanced harmony.
