Simply Italian Sicilian Tomato Sauce
Transform your kitchen into the heart of Sicily with this Simply Italian Sicilian Tomato Sauce recipe, a rich, comforting classic that brings the vibrant flavors of Italy to your table. Made with sweet, caramelized garlic, aromatic onions, and authentic San Marzano tomatoes, this sauce boasts a perfect balance of bold, tangy flavors and subtle herbal notes from fresh basil and oregano. A splash of olive oil and the option to add crushed red pepper flakes take this sauce to the next level, while the slow simmering process creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to pasta or pizza. Whether you’re looking for a hearty marinara for spaghetti, a base for your favorite Italian casseroles, or simply a dip for fresh bread, this versatile sauce is a must-have in your recipe repertoire. Ready in under an hour, it’s a simple, satisfying staple for any Italian food lover.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 28 ounces Crushed San Marzano tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 8 Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 0.5 cup Water or vegetable broth
Instructions
Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to caramelize it slightly, which deepens the flavor.
Add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes along with their juice, stirring to combine.
Pour in the water or vegetable broth and mix well to thin the sauce slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh basil leaves, dried oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
Taste the sauce and add sugar if needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Simmer the sauce gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
Adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt or spices if needed.
Serve over your favorite pasta, use as a topping for pizza, or incorporate into other Italian dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
778 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 56.4 g | 72% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.5 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3849 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.5 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.5 g | ||
| Protein | 9.9 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 198 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1903 mg | 40% | |
*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.
