Tomato sauce is a versatile and timeless culinary gem, beloved by people of all ages and cultures. This recipe for quick and easy tomato sauce is a classic, using basic pantry ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs wonderfully with cooked pasta, making for a satisfying and effortless meal.
The convenience of this tomato sauce recipe doesn’t end with its preparation. I encourage you to make extra batches and freeze them for later use. Having homemade tomato sauce readily available in your freezer allows you to whip up a quick and satisfying meal on busy days without compromising on flavor or quality.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a gathering of friends, this quick and easy tomato sauce will undoubtedly become a staple in your culinary adventures. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on this delightful journey of flavors, exploring the countless possibilities this sauce has to offer.
MAKES: 4 servings
TIME: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- Salt
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds canned tomatoes, drained and chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound any dried pasta (spaghetti is the classic)
- Freshly grated Parmesan or other cheese, to taste (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Put the olive oil or butter in a 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot or the butter is melted, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 2 or 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and a sprinkling of salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture comes together and thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste, adjust the seasonings, and keep warm. (Or let cool, cover, and refrigerate for up to several days; reheat gently before serving.)
- Cook the pasta in the boiling water until tender but not mushy. When it is done, drain it, reserving a bit of the cooking water. Reheat the sauce briefly if necessary. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a little more oil or some of the cooking water if it seems dry. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then toss with some cheese and parsley if you’re using it.
20 Quick and Easy Ways to Spin Fast Tomato Sauce:
- Fresh Tomato Sauce: Made with ripe fresh tomatoes, this sauce is a superb option, perfect for the summer months. Garnish generously with Parmesan or chopped parsley and basil for a burst of freshness.
- Garlicky Tomato Sauce: Omit the onion and let the garlic shine in this flavorful variation. The golden-brown garlic adds depth and richness to the sauce, complementing any pasta dish. Top it off with parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Spicy Tomato Sauce (Arrabbiata): Embark on a bold and fiery culinary adventure with this spicy tomato sauce. Dried red chiles provide the kick, while garlic enhances the flavors. Adjust the heat to your preference and garnish with parsley or basil.
- Tomato Sauce with Aromatic Vegetables: Carrots and celery add a delightful aroma to this tomato sauce, which is also perfect for puréeing. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors and finish with cheese, parsley, or basil.
- Tomato Sauce with Wine: Elevate your tomato sauce by adding a splash of dry white or red wine. Let it bubble away briefly to infuse the sauce with a subtle richness. Garnish with parsley or basil for a refined touch.
- Tomato Sauce with Bay Leaves: Infuse the sauce with a hint of cinnamon and the delicate flavor of bay leaves. Remember to remove and discard the bay leaves before serving, and garnish with parsley or basil.
- Mushroom Sauce: Elevate your tomato sauce with the addition of sautéed mushrooms. The earthy flavors add depth to the sauce, and you can choose to garnish with parsley or basil.
- Tomato Sauce with Fresh Herbs: Celebrate the vibrant taste of summer with a burst of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, dill, mint, or a combination of these. Alternatively, use dried herbs while cooking the tomatoes and garnish with cheese or more herbs.
- Cheesy Tomato Sauce: Embrace the richness of cheese in your tomato sauce. Choose from creamy options like ricotta, goat cheese, or mascarpone, or opt for stronger-tasting cheeses like Parmesan, Grana Padano, manchego, or fresh mozzarella.
- Vegetable Tomato Sauce: Enhance your tomato sauce with a medley of cooked vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, squash, fennel, celery, carrots, peppers, artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or cauliflower. Top it off with cheese and fresh parsley or basil.
- Dried Tomato Sauce: Add the wonderful depth of reconstituted dried tomatoes to your sauce. Enjoy the intensity of flavor and garnish with cheese, parsley, or basil.
- Tomato Pesto Sauce: Marry the richness of tomato sauce with the vibrant flavors of pesto. Stir in traditional pesto or its variations, or top each serving with a spoonful of pesto for an aromatic delight.
- Red Pepper and Tomato Sauce: Combine roasted red peppers with tomatoes for an incredible burst of flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a finishing touch.
- Puttanesca Sauce: Inspired by a Roman classic, add oil-packed anchovies, capers, and black olives to your tomato sauce for a bold and tangy taste. Garnish with parsley or basil to complete the dish.
- Creamy Vodka Sauce: Experience a unique twist with this creamy vodka-infused sauce. Stir in vodka and cream before finishing, adding a touch of spicy sweetness to your pasta.
- Thicker, More Intense Tomato Sauce: Intensify the flavors by blending in tomato paste. Garnish with cheese, parsley, or basil for a hearty meal.
- Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce: Try this variation with oven-roasted plum tomatoes or the canned variation. Enjoy it as it is or add a little vegetable stock, wine, or water for a smoother texture.
- Grilled Tomato Sauce: Embrace the delightful smokiness of grilled tomatoes and peppers. Add minced fresh oregano and red wine vinegar for a unique twist. Garnish with parsley for added freshness.
- Puréed Tomato Sauce: For a smooth and creamy texture, pass the sauce through a food mill or blend it. Add cream or ricotta cheese if desired. Garnish with cheese, parsley, or basil for a luscious finish.
- Tuna Sauce: Take your tomato sauce to the next level with the addition of tuna packed in olive oil. Combine it with the Puttanesca additions for a flavorful delight.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations and savoring the delightful flavors of this quick and easy tomato sauce. May it become a treasured companion in your culinary journey, bringing joy to your meals and smiles to the faces of those you share them with. Buon appetito!
