Zippy Tomato Sauce
Elevate your pasta nights with this irresistible Zippy Tomato Sauce, a quick and flavorful recipe that combines bold aromatics and pantry staples to create a versatile homemade masterpiece. With the perfect kick from crushed red pepper flakes, a hint of sweetness from granulated sugar, and the herbaceous aroma of fresh basil, this sauce strikes a delectable balance between zesty and comforting flavors. In just 40 minutes, including prep, you’ll have a rich and hearty tomato base that pairs beautifully with pasta, pizza, or any dish in need of a savory upgrade. Whether you’re simmering whole peeled tomatoes to perfection or enhancing the depth with a dollop of tomato paste and a touch of oregano, this easy, batch-friendly recipe is a must-have for any kitchen. Transform weeknight meals with the vibrancy of Zippy Tomato Sauce—your new go-to for bold and fresh Italian-inspired flavors!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 28 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes (with juice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper, freshly ground
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Pour in the canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice. Break up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher into smaller chunks.
Stir in the tomato paste, granulated sugar, salt, dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar as needed.
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve immediately over pasta, use as a pizza sauce, or transfer to an airtight container for storage in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
563 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 30.1 g | 39% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3379 mg | 147% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 69.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 42.7 g | ||
| Protein | 10.4 g | 21% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 216 mg | 17% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1906 mg | 41% | |
*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.
