Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of pasta topped with rich, flavorful sauce that’s made from scratch. This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is the ultimate go-to recipe when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal without the fuss. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients, yet it packs a punch of flavor that rivals any jarred version.

Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or prepping for a cozy dinner with friends, this sauce is your new secret weapon. It clings beautifully to spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even zoodles, and is the perfect base for meatballs, roasted veggies, or just a generous shower of Parmesan. No more store-bought sauces when you can make this in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

This sauce is all about balance: sweet tomatoes, savory garlic and onions, a hint of herbs, and just the right amount of olive oil to bring everything together. It’s versatile, freezer-friendly, and a total flavor bomb. Perfect for beginners, this recipe requires no fancy tools or culinary tricks—just a saucepan and a wooden spoon.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, you’ll love how easy and customizable this sauce is. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s simmering? Absolutely irresistible.

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Use?

While you can use any canned or fresh tomatoes for this sauce, San Marzano tomatoes are the gold standard. They have a natural sweetness and lower acidity, which gives the sauce a richer, deeper flavor. If you can’t find San Marzano, go for whole peeled or crushed tomatoes from a quality brand. And yes, you can absolutely use fresh tomatoes in summer—just blanch and peel them first for a smoother finish.

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Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Each ingredient in this sauce plays a role in building a deep, balanced flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich base and helps to release the aroma of the garlic and onions.
• Garlic: Brings that punchy, savory flavor that is absolutely essential in any good pasta sauce.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, creating a flavor foundation for the tomatoes.
• Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the sauce—choose good-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To balance the acidity and enhance the overall taste.
• Dried Oregano & Basil: Bring a herby warmth that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
• Sugar (optional): Just a pinch to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a bit of heat.

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How To Make the Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add the tomato paste to the pan and stir well, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes. This helps caramelize it slightly for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then season with salt, pepper, dried herbs, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine everything.

Step 4: Simmer

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like heat, now’s the time to sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

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How to Serve and Store This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce

This recipe yields enough to generously serve 4-6 people, depending on your pasta portions. You can ladle it directly over hot pasta, use it as a base for lasagna, or stir it into a baked ziti dish.

To store leftovers, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

What to Serve With Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce?

Garlic Bread

Toasted, buttery, and loaded with garlic—this is the ultimate pasta companion.

Green Salad

A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly.

Grilled Chicken

Adds protein and makes your pasta dish more filling without overpowering the sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Toss in some oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an easy veggie-packed meal.

Meatballs

Classic Italian-style meatballs pair beautifully with this sauce.

Parmesan or Burrata Cheese

Top your pasta with fresh burrata or a generous grating of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Red Wine

A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese brings out the tomato and herb notes in the sauce.

Crusty Bread

Use it to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce on your plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just make sure to blanch and peel them first. Use about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes, chopped, in place of a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes.

How can I make this sauce creamy?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese at the end of cooking for a velvety finish.

Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes! Brown some ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage and add it in after step 2 to turn this into a hearty meat sauce.

How long can I freeze this sauce?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta or zoodles if you’re avoiding gluten.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add meat or make it spicy? Did you try fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Want more recipe inspiration like this? Check out my daily kitchen creations over on Pinterest: Life With Livia on Pinterest

Conclusion

This Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create something magical. Whether you’re whipping it up on a weeknight or making a batch to freeze, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—perfect for pasta lovers who crave comfort in every bite.

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