Best Tomato Pasta Sauce

This Best Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe is a true celebration of simplicity and fresh ingredients, perfect for pasta lovers who crave authentic Italian flavors. Made from ripe, juicy tomatoes, this sauce captures the essence of summer with every bite. The tomatoes are blanched, peeled, and simmered with garlic, onions, and a touch of dried oregano, creating a sauce that’s both rich and comforting. The natural sweetness of the tomatoes is balanced with a hint of sugar and seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper. The result is a velvety, flavorful sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti, making each bite irresistible. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish is both rustic and elegant - proving that the best pasta dishes are often the simplest. Whether you're serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this homemade tomato sauce will quickly become a household favorite.

Baba’s Timeless Tomato Sauce: A Family Favorite Passed Down Through Generations

This Best Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe holds a special place in my heart because it's my Grandma’s (we call her Baba) recipe, and let me tell you, it’s the only tomato sauce recipe you'll ever need. Growing up, we always had fresh tomatoes growing in our garden during the warm months, and making this sauce was a regular tradition - something Baba would whip up once or twice a week. It’s incredibly simple and humble, but it’s so delicious you don’t really need much else.

What makes this sauce so special is how the fresh tomatoes transform into a rich, flavorful base, with just a few simple ingredients like garlic, onion, and oregano. Baba always added a little sugar to balance the acidity, and of course, we’d finish it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Whether you serve it over pasta, gnocchi, or even palenta, this sauce always shines. And don’t forget the crusty bread - you’ll want it to soak up every last drop from the plate!

If you're a pasta lover like we are, you can also try my other favorites: Easy Meatballs and Spaghetti for a classic family meal, or Cacio e Pepe for a simpler, peppery pasta dish. But trust me, once you try this sauce, you'll keep coming back to it again and again - just like we have in my family for generations.

Best,

Ana

Ingredients for Best Tomato Pasta Sauce

For the sauce:

Fresh ripe tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing natural sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant flavor.
Olive oil: Adds richness and depth, helping to sauté the onions and garlic while infusing the sauce with Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a subtle, aromatic bite that enhances the savory elements of the sauce.
Onions: Finely chopped to create a sweet, soft base that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
Sugar: Optional but recommended to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, adding a touch of sweetness.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the sauce, bringing out the natural taste of the tomatoes.
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar.
Dried oregano: A classic herb that brings a savory, slightly earthy flavor to the sauce.

For serving:

Spaghetti: A traditional pasta that pairs perfectly with the sauce, absorbing the rich flavors.
Parmesan: Grated over the top to add a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

What kind of tomatoes are best for making tomato sauce?

Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a denser flesh, but you can use any ripe, fresh tomatoes for a delicious sauce.

Do I need to remove the seeds from the tomatoes?

It’s optional. Some people prefer to remove the seeds for a smoother sauce, but they don’t negatively affect the flavor if you leave them in.

Can I freeze fresh tomato sauce?

Yes, tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes freezes very well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I thicken fresh tomato sauce?

Simmering the sauce longer will naturally thicken it as the liquid evaporates. If you’re in a rush, you can add a small amount of tomato paste for a thicker consistency.

How long does homemade tomato sauce last in the fridge?

Fresh tomato sauce will last about 4-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Make Best Tomato Pasta Sauce

Prepare the Tomatoes: Score a small "X" at the base of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then plunge them into ice water. This makes it easier to peel them. Peel and chop the tomatoes.
Cook Garlic and Onion: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir in the sugar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until the desired consistency is reached.
Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Dobar tek!

What to serve With Best Tomato Pasta Sauce

Pasta: Classic spaghetti, rigatoni, penne, or any other pasta shape will pair beautifully with this fresh tomato sauce. The sauce clings to the pasta, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi are perfect for soaking up the rich tomato sauce. Whether store-bought or homemade, gnocchi offers a delightful texture contrast to the smooth sauce.
Polenta: A hearty and comforting option, polenta is great with tomato sauce poured over the top. Its creamy consistency balances the sauce’s acidity and adds a unique element to the meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty Italian or sourdough bread to mop up all the delicious sauce. You can also toast the bread and rub it with garlic for extra flavor.
Meatballs: Pair your tomato sauce with homemade meatballs, making a classic Italian-American dish. The sauce adds richness and depth to the meatballs, creating a comforting meal.
Grilled Chicken or Fish: A simple grilled chicken breast or fish, like sea bass, barramundi, salmon or tilapia, pairs wonderfully with this tomato sauce, adding a protein boost to your meal.
Salad:A light green salad with mixed greens, arugula, or spinach tossed in a lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of the tomato sauce. Try pairing it with Caprese Salad, which complements the sauce with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers offer a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the fresh acidity of the tomato sauce.
Parmesan or Mozzarella: Top your dishes with grated Parmesan or fresh mozzarella for a cheesy finish that enhances the sauce's flavor.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce: Add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick. Arrabbiata is a fiery tomato sauce that pairs well with pasta or pizza.:
Creamy Tomato Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk toward the end of cooking for a creamy, velvety texture. This version adds richness to the sauce, making it perfect for dishes like pasta or gnocchi.
Roasted Tomato Sauce: Roast the fresh tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs before blending them into a sauce. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and adds a deep, caramelized flavor.
Tomato Basil Sauce: Add fresh basil toward the end of cooking for a fragrant, summery twist. Basil adds a fresh, slightly sweet note to the sauce, making it ideal for pasta or pizza.

Vegetable-Enhanced Tomato Sauce: Add diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for a heartier version. The extra veggies add texture and nutrition while blending seamlessly with the tomato base.
Garlic-Lover's Tomato Sauce: Increase the amount of garlic for a more intense flavor. Sauté 5-6 cloves of garlic in the olive oil for a richer, more garlicky tomato sauce.

Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce is a perfect blend of sun-ripened tomatoes, gently simmered to draw out their natural sweetness. Infused with the subtle aromas of garlic and onions, and seasoned with just a hint of sugar and a medley of classic herbs, the sauce achieves a perfect balance of flavors.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 40

Total Time 1

Course Dinner, Pasta

Servings

Ingredients

For the sauce:

1 kg fresh ripe tomatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tbsp sugar, or to taste optional, but recommended
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano or to taste

For serving:

400 g spaghetti
Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: Score a small "X" at the base of each tomato. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then plunge them into ice water. This makes it easier to peel them. Peel and chop the tomatoes.
Cook Garlic and Onion: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent.
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Stir in the sugar, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Bring to a simmer.
Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes, until it thickens and the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
Blend the Sauce (Optional): For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the sauce to a blender. Blend until the desired consistency is reached.
Cook the Spaghetti: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Dobar tek!

Keyword dinner, easy, family meal, kid-friendly, summer

For the Curious Foodie

The Surprising Origin of Tomatoes

Did you know that tomatoes weren’t always a staple of Italian cuisine? While we associate them with dishes like pasta sauces and pizzas, tomatoes are actually native to South America! They were first cultivated by the Aztecs and later brought to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. At first, tomatoes were met with suspicion in Europe, believed to be poisonous due to their relation to the nightshade family. But over time, they became beloved, particularly in Italy, where they flourished in the Mediterranean climate.

The Birth of Tomato Sauce

The practice of making tomato sauce is thought to have begun in the 17th century in Italy, where cooks discovered that slow-cooking tomatoes with herbs and olive oil created a rich, flavorful base for many dishes. By the 19th century, tomato sauce had become a central part of Italian cooking, giving rise to the countless variations we enjoy today.

A Global Favorite

Now, tomatoes are used in cuisines all around the world, and making your own tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes carries on this timeless tradition, connecting the past to your plate in every delicious bite.

Author

Ana

Welcome to my culinary haven! My name is Ana, and I'm the passionate voice behind World Cuisines Network. Here, I share recipes that have not only won the approval of my family but have also stood the test of time in our kitchen. My goal is to introduce the rich tapestry of global flavors right to your family table. Thank you for dropping in! We're thrilled to have you join us.
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