Tomato Basil Base Sauce with Layered Herbs

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-23 · Updated 2026-04-23

A versatile foundation for pasta and baked dishes, built with layered herb infusion for depth without overpowering. This Italian Super Bowl recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, blends olive oil, yellow onion, and 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 120 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Add this recipe to your weekly plan" 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 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The chef’s knife we’d prep this with → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil just before serving to preserve brightness.