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-inspired Super Bowl recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 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 120 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 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
• 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.