This tomato basil pasta sauce is something I like to make when I want a homemade meal that doesn’t feel like too much work. It’s built on simple ingredients, but once everything starts cooking together, it turns into something really comforting and familiar.

I usually let it simmer gently while I go about other things in the kitchen. The garlic softens, the tomatoes break down, and the basil adds freshness right at the end, so it feels balanced without needing extra steps.

Over time, this has become one of those go-to recipes I don’t have to think about much. I can keep it as it is or tweak it slightly depending on what I have, and it still works well for an easy pasta dinner.

Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

The combination of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and basil is a timeless favorite, and it's easy to see why. This tomato and basil sauce is rich, sweet, and a key part of my cooking routine. It was one of the first things I learned to make, and although it's simple, my family spent years perfecting the recipe. I always keep a jar of this versatile sauce in my freezer, ready to turn any meal into something delicious and filling.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Total Time 40

Course dips and sauces

Cuisine Italian

Servings 5

Calories 205 kcal

Equipment

Large deep frying pan
Knife
Cutting Board
Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Ingredients

3 tbsp Olive oil
4 Garlic cloves crushed or whole
2 Cans 400g each of whole tomatoes
1 bunch fresh Basil
1/2 cup Water

Instructions

In a large, deep frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Turn the heat to low and add the crushed garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and soft, stirring often to prevent burning. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use whole cloves and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to brown. Then, remove the garlic from the oil with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
If using whole canned tomatoes, gently squeeze them with your hands to break them up a bit.
In the same pan, add the tomatoes, water, a pinch of salt and pepper, and ¾ of the basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.
Taste the sauce as it cooks. Depending on the tomatoes you use, you might need to add a bit of sweetness. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Divide the sauce into portions and serve with pasta or one of my suggested recipes. You can also freeze it for later use.

Notes

Garlic Flavor: For a milder garlic flavor, use whole cloves instead of crushed ones.
Tomato Quality: The quality of your tomatoes can affect the sweetness of the sauce. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed.
Storage: This sauce freezes well. Keep a jar in the freezer for quick and easy meals.

Keyword Basil tomato pasta at home, Fresh basil sauce, Homemade tomato sauce, How to make tomato basil pasta sauce?, Pasta sauce recipe, Tomato basil sauce simple

Nutrition Facts:

Nutrition	Value
Calories	205kcal
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fat	15g
Sodium	266mg
Fiber	5g
Sugar	1g

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned Tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. You’ll need about 8-10 medium-sized tomatoes to replace the canned ones. To prepare them, boil the tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until the skins start to peel. Then, put them in a bowl of ice water and peel off the skins once cooled. Chop the peeled tomatoes and use them as you would the canned tomatoes in the recipe.

How Long Can I Store the Sauce in the Freezer?

You can store the sauce in the freezer for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or jars.

Label the containers with the date, so you know how long they’ve been stored. When you’re ready to use the sauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or heat it directly on the stove.