Italian Sauce from Scratch
Transform your kitchen into a Tuscan trattoria with this homemade Italian Sauce from Scratch—an irresistibly rich, vibrant, and flavorful tomato-based sauce that’s perfect for pasta night or any Italian-inspired dish. Made with a harmonious blend of aromatic garlic, sautéed onion, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of dried herbs like oregano and basil, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. A touch of sugar cuts through the tomatoes' natural acidity, while optional red chili flakes add a gentle kick of spice. Simmered to perfection for a deep, robust flavor, this classic sauce can be customized to your liking—blend it smooth or leave it chunky for rustic charm. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy, versatile recipe that pairs beautifully with pasta, lasagna, or even pizza. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate Italian comfort dish!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.
Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
Mix in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red chili flakes if using.
Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary. Add a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
Remove the sauce from heat and serve over your favorite pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a base for lasagna or other Italian dishes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
663 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.0 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 4 mg | 1% | |
| Sodium | 2533 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.5 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.7 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.2 g | ||
| Protein | 12.5 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 254 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1974 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
