tomato pasta sauce

Tomato Onion Pasta Sauce

A simple tomato onion pasta sauce slowly simmered with olive oil and herbs for a naturally sweet, balanced homemade flavor.

10Prep min
40Cook min
50Total min
4 servingsYield
Tomato onion pasta sauce simmering until thick and glossy
Advertisement

Recipe card

Tomato Onion Pasta Sauce

50 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 small bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, for serving

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until soft and lightly golden.

  2. 2

    Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Add tomatoes, oregano and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle simmer.

  4. 4

    Cook uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

  5. 5

    Remove the bay leaf, season to taste and finish with basil.

Helpful notes

  • Taking time to soften the onion builds sweetness without added sugar.
  • A gentle simmer gives the sauce a cleaner texture than a hard boil.

Use this as an all-purpose sauce for spaghetti, baked pasta, meatballs or vegetables.

Storage and freezing

Refrigerate for 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.