There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a simmering pasta sauce wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe is not only simple to make but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a feast for friends, this sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta dish. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich and savory sauce that will elevate your pasta game. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe is a game-changer for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up, making it a perfect option for busy schedules.
- Flavorful: The combination of crushed tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a comforting flavor profile.
- Versatile: Use it as a base for various pasta dishes, pizza, or even as a dipping sauce.
- Healthy: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this sauce is a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
What You’ll Gather
Before you dive into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can (794g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can (227g) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (237ml) chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon (21g) honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
Tools of the Trade
You’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make this Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe:
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic and simmering the sauce.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients and preventing sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accuracy in your ingredient proportions.
- Can opener: For opening the cans of tomatoes and sauce.
Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe, Made Easy
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Easy Pasta Sauce.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Sweeten and Season
Add the honey, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Simmer
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and enhance the flavors.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve
Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizza or casseroles. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Easy Pasta Sauce!
Substitutions by Category
If you’re missing an ingredient or looking to customize the sauce, here are some substitutions you can make:
- Oils: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor.
- Onion: Shallots or leeks can provide a milder taste.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh garlic is preferred for flavor.
- Chicken stock: Vegetable broth is a great alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used for a vegan option.
- Crushed tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be used; just make sure to peel and chop them finely.
Steer Clear of These
While this Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe is flexible, here are a few things to avoid:
- Don’t use overly processed canned sauces, as they can contain preservatives and additives.
- Avoid using too much salt at once; it’s better to season gradually to taste.
- Steer clear of burnt garlic, as it can impart a bitter flavor to the sauce.
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the sauce to cook longer enhances the flavor.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
This Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.
Reader Q&A
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Just be sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the sauce.
How can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Simply substitute the chicken stock with vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian pasta sauce!
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too watery?
If your sauce is too watery, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Explore More
If you enjoyed this Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe, check out these other delicious recipes:
Final Bite
This Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe is a staple that will soon become your go-to for quick dinners and family gatherings. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you’ll find cooking from scratch is both rewarding and delicious. Enjoy the satisfaction of serving a homemade meal that’s packed with flavor and love. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s get saucy!
Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for a kick
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken stock to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add the honey, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce and enhance the flavors.
- After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizza or casseroles. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Easy Pasta Sauce!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
Notes
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before using.
- Reheat on medium heat, adding water or broth if it thickens too much.
