Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary Sauce

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

A deeply simmered tomato base with fragrant rosemary, developed over time for rich, complex flavor that enhances pasta or crusty bread. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs crushed tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 65 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 65 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium finely diced yellow onion and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and golden at the edges.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep crushed tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary 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 Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary 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.

What goes well with Wood-Fired Tomato and Rosemary Sauce?

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.

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