Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever thought that making a delicious pasta sauce at home is complicated or time-consuming, I’m here to change your mind with this Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe. It’s fresh, vibrant, and packed with the natural sweetness of tomatoes combined with fragrant basil that will instantly remind you of sunny Italian afternoons. This sauce transforms humble pantry staples into a comforting, rustic meal that’s both straightforward to prepare and endlessly satisfying. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you crave that perfect, homemade touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a critical role in building flavor, texture, and color, and the best part is, you probably already have most of these essentials in your kitchen. From the luscious olive oil that forms the sauce’s base to the silky butter that adds richness, each element combines to create a sauce that feels truly special.

• Olive oil (4 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a smooth, fruity base and helps infuse flavors beautifully.
• Garlic cloves (4, finely sliced): Provides a subtle pungency that wakes up the whole dish—be gentle with the slicing to avoid bitterness.
• Tinned whole tomatoes (2 x 400 gram cans, San Marzano if possible): These tomatoes bring a bright, natural sweetness and a rich, saucy texture.
• Basil leaves (½ cup): Fresh basil adds a delicate herbal aroma and a burst of green freshness that makes the sauce unforgettable.
• Salt (½-1 teaspoon): Essential for balancing the acidity and enhancing all the natural flavors.
• Pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and depth, rounding out the taste.
• Sugar (1.5 teaspoons, optional): Perfect for cutting sharpness and bringing out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness if needed.
• Butter (40 grams or 3 tablespoons): Introduces a silky richness that melds with the acidity for a luxurious finish.
• Dried pasta (400 grams): The perfect vehicle to soak up this delicious sauce and make your meal complete.

How to Make Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Gently Sauté the Garlic

Start by warming the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced garlic cloves and cook slowly until they’re fragrant and just starting to turn golden. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base without burning the garlic, which can turn bitter. The aroma at this stage is incredible and sets the tone for the entire sauce.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes

Pour in your tinned whole tomatoes, breaking them up gently with a spoon. Bring the sauce to a low simmer and let all those luscious juices start to meld together with the garlic-infused oil. The tomatoes will begin to soften more, creating that classic sauce texture you’re after.

Step 3: Season and Sweeten

This is where you add salt, pepper, and if your tomatoes are too acidic, the optional sugar. These seasonings balance the tanginess and gently enhance the natural flavors. Stir everything well and allow the sauce to simmer quietly so the flavors can harmonize beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in Butter and Basil

Once the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened, swirl in the butter for a silky, rich finish. Then, toss in your fresh basil leaves. The heat will release their aromatic oils, infusing the sauce with that unmistakable sweet, herbal note that makes this Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe truly shine.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the dried pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it directly into the sauce, ensuring every strand or bite captures the vibrant flavors you’ve built.

How to Serve Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your dish even further, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or add a few extra whole basil leaves on top. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving also creates a fragrant, luxurious finish that keeps people coming back for more.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil or a crispy garlic bread that soaks up every last bit of sauce. Both sides add balance and textural contrast that make the meal feel complete and thoughtfully prepared.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little twist, try drizzling the sauce over roasted vegetables or use it as a base for baked pasta dishes. You can also turn it into a pizza sauce or layer it in a lasagna. The versatility of this Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe truly knows no limits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer your cooled sauce to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully, making it perfect for quick meals later on. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will keep for up to 3 months without losing that vibrant taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while keeping that luscious texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have ripe, flavorful tomatoes, you can blanch, peel, and chop them to use fresh. Just remember fresh tomatoes might require a bit longer simmering to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Is the sugar really necessary?

The sugar is optional and mainly used to balance out any acidity in the tomatoes. If your canned tomatoes are naturally sweet, you may find you don’t need it at all.

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

This sauce is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with everything from spaghetti to penne, fusilli, or even stuffed pastas like ravioli. The key is to choose shapes that catch the sauce well.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the butter or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

How long does the sauce take to make?

You can whip up this sauce in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend cooking sessions.

Final Thoughts

There is something so rewarding about making a Simple Homemade Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce Recipe from scratch—it’s comfort food that feels both elegant and accessible. Once you experience how fresh ingredients meld into a flavorful sauce in just a few simple steps, you’ll understand why this recipe becomes a trusty favorite. Give it a try and watch your pasta nights transform into pure joy.

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