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    Home » Ingredients » Summer Vegetables

    Simple Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

    Published: Sep 22, 2019 · Modified: Apr 11, 2025. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Recipe Jump to Video
    Make a simple tomato sauce recipe, not too many flavours or spices. Garlic and basil, that is all you need. When the tomatoes are tasty and full of flavour, simplicity is the winner. This is THE ITALIAN tomato sauce recipe a quick and easy sauce recipe!

    This authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe is simple without many flavors or spices; garlic and basil are all you need. It is the basic principle of authentic Italian cuisine: simplicity is the winner when the tomatoes are tasty and full of flavor. Pasta al pomodoro o pasta asciutta is the pasta Italians would eat daily during the week. It has to be quick and made with easy Italian staple ingredients.

     authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving
    • Storing
    • Top tips
    • Italian Marinara sauce vs sugo al pomodoro
    • FAQ
    • Recipes you might also like
    • 📋Simple Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

    Italian everyday meals are structured into 3 courses:

    • Primo piatto: first serving, usually a simple pasta al pomodoro also called pasta asciutta
    • Secondo piatto: meat or fish
    • Contorno: side dish
    • Fruit

    During busy weeknights, this primo piatto has to be simple, quick, and easy to make with ingredients you always find in an Italian kitchen.

    Simplicity is one of the main principles of authentic Italian cooking.

    As the meat or fish is served after, the primo piatto is primarily a vegan dish. We add Parmesan cheese, Pecorino cheese or Ricotta Salata, depending on the region.

    Other simple vegan or vegetarian pasta we would serve as primo piatto are: Red Pesto Pasta Sauce, The Classic Pesto Recipe Pasta Trofie, Pasta Caprese Salad, Pasta alla Norma

    Tomatoes cooking in a large Calderon

    Ingredients

    Type of tomatoes

    Normally, we use long tomatoes for tomato sauce, and the best are San Marzano tomatoes.

    If you cannot find them, long tomatoes like Roma will do.

    Even better if you have your own garden tomatoes during the summer months.

    If you want to make this tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes, you can follow this recipe for Italian tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes.

    10 kilos of fresh tomatoes for tomato sauce

    Canned Tomato sauce

    However, the quickest way is to use a canned tomato sauce.

    Of course, I use my homemade tomato sauce, which I make and can in late August-early September

    Alternatively, the best tomato sauce you can buy at the grocery store is Mutti.

    I never buy already flavored store-bought sauce, as I like to add my own fresh herbs.

    I always buy the can that says natural, just plain tomato sauce.

    You can also use whole canned tomatoes, but you must simmer the sauce for a long time as if using fresh whole tomatoes.

    The tomatoes have to break down into a sauce slowly.

    An immersion blender will not speed up the process as it doesn’t thicken the sauce.

    Open jar of homemade tomato sauce

    Type of pasta

    The best pasta for tomato sauce is Maccheroni, but you can use your favorite pasta: spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.

    It is very important to use good quality pasta, and I always recommend the brands Garofalo or Rummo.

    For more information about my favorite Italian ingredients brands, read the article: Italian ingredients.

    Pasta Garofalo fusillone

    Seasoning

    For seasoning the tomato sauce, you need:

    • Fresh garlic cloves: contrary to many beliefs, we do not use excessive garlic in Italy. Once the olive oil is flavored, the garlic is removed from the sauce. Do not use garlic powder.
    • Fresh basil
    • Extra-virgin olive oil
    • Salt
    • Hot red pepper flakes if you like it hot

    Authentic Italian flavors are made with only fresh ingredients, do not use store-bought Italian seasoning.

    Find the quantities in the recipe card

    Fresh Basil

    Instructions

    Prepare the sauce

    1. Stir fry the garlic with the extra virgin olive oil
    2. Once brown, remove from the pan
    3. Pour the tomato sauce; watch out as it can splatter
    4. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir
    5. Add the basil leaves
    6. Cover and let it simmer at low heat, with the top slightly open for 5 to 10 minutes. You can place a wooden spoon on the side of the lid

    Hint: the longer it simmers, the thicker the tomato sauce. However, most canned tomato sauces are already cooked, so you can simmer your tomato sauce for only 5 minutes

    Preparing the simple tomato sauce

    Cooking the pasta

    1. Bring to boil a large pot of salted water
    2. Pour the Maccheroni into the water and let them boil for the time indicated in the box (I always do 1 minute less as I like it al dente)
    3. Drain the pasta and pour it into a bowl
    4. Add immediately 3 tablespoon of tomato sauce and stir
    Making the pasta

    Serving

    Once the pasta is all seasoned, you can top up the plate for presentation:

    1. Add more tomato sauce on top
    2. Some fresh basil leaves
    3. Plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    For detailed step-by-step instructions on how to cook pasta like an Italian, you can read the article:  38 Tips On How To Cook Pasta Like An Italian

    Eating Maccheroni with simple tomato sauce

    Storing

    You can store the fresh tomato sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

    If you need it for longer, you can freeze it.

    However, as it is very easy to make and only takes a few minutes, I recommend making only the amount you need.

    If you have leftover pasta you can fry it: Pasta a frittata

    Pasta a frittata Italian fried pasta

    As an Italian, I like my meals to be freshly made.

    To save time, I freeze essential ingredients like breadcrumbs, stocks and soffritto.

    To find out more, you can read my article: Once a Month Freezer Meal Prep To Save Time

    Once a Month Frozen Meal Prep arranged in the freezer

    Top tips

    • For the tomato sauce, the best tomatoes are San Marzano. You can use a homemade sauce or a shop-bought one. I recommend the brand Mutti
    • When you buy canned tomato sauce, ensure the tin is perfectly intact, and there are no dents. Any damage on the tin can trigger bacteria in the sauce
    • If you use a homemade sauce, ensure the jar is vacuum sealed. It should be difficult to open
    • When I make the sauce, I remove the garlic once cooked. The oil will have absorbed the flavor from the garlic, and it is not necessary to leave it in the sauce, but if you like it, you can leave it in
    • The best pasta for tomato sauce is Maccheroni, but you can also use spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Buy a good brand
    • I always cook the pasta 1 minute less than what is indicated on the box
    • Once the cooking time has passed, drain the pasta immediately
    • Season the pasta as soon as possible, do not leave it in the bowl. If your sauce is not ready, use some extra virgin olive oil
    • Serve the pasta immediately
    Pull the tongue of the seal of a homemade canned tomato sauce

    Italian Marinara sauce vs sugo al pomodoro

    Sunday sauce or Sunday gravy in Italy does not exist.

    Meat cooked in tomato sauce is called Ragu.

    Here are some examples: lamb ragu, lasagna di Carnevale, and meat ragu in the pressure cooker.

    It is not an Italian tradition to make it every Sunday.

    Lamb Ragu served with maccheroni on a plate

    The authentic Italian marinara sauce has nothing to do with the American homemade Marinara sauce.

    In Italian, Marinara is not a tomato sauce as the tomato was introduced in Italy only in the 18th century from America.

    Marinara in Italian means "from the sea" or "sailor".

    "Alla Marinara" was a word added to a recipe for dishes the sailors used to eat when returning from the sea.

    "Alla Marinara" is mostly a sauce made with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, parsley, basil, or capers, not necessarily tomato-based.

    Once the tomato was introduced in Italy, "pizzaioli" from Naples started making a pizza sauce with tomato, garlic, and oregano, no mozzarella or any other cheese.

    That is what in Italy we call "pizza alla Marinara".

    authentic Italian tomato sauce made with Italian staple ingredients

    This sauce was also used for cooking meat or fish, and the recipe was then called "sugo alla Pizzaiola".

    The regular Italian tomato sauce "sugo" instead is usually made with a soffritto, which is made with onion, carrots, and celery chopped and stir-fried in olive oil and tomatoes.

    It is cooked for a long time, then blended to make it smooth and creamy.

    In this article, I share a much simpler tomato sauce recipe you can make daily.

    carrot onion celery called mirepoix soffritto

    FAQ

    How can I spice up plain tomato sauce?

    If you need to spice up a tomato sauce, buy another one. A good tomato sauce does not need a lot of herbs or spices, nor should it be acidic or need a pinch of sugar. Try Mutti tomato sauce, and you will see the difference.

    Can you use diced tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?

    Yes, you can; it will have a different consistency, but if you still want a creamier texture, just boil it for more than 10 minutes, and the tomato will eventually soften. Using an immersion blender will not give the same results

    How do you thicken tomato sauce?

    Just boil it for a long time, depending on how thick you want it. You can also add some tomato paste.
    If you want to know how to make tomato sauce from fresh tomatoes, you can read the article: Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe With Fresh Tomatoes

    Tomato sauce with fresh tomatoes in jars

    Recipes you might also like

    If you are looking for more pasta with vegetable recipes, you can check the category: Pasta

    Also check the recipes below:

    • Red Pesto Pasta Sauce
    • The Classic Pesto Recipe Pasta Trofie
    • Pasta Caprese Salad
    • Zucchini Recipe Pasta And Ricotta
    • Pasta a Frittata: Italian Fried Pasta
    • Black Truffle Recipe Pasta

    If you are making the Simple Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe, leave your comment below I would like to hear from you. You can find more delicious ideas if you FOLLOW ME on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram or sign up to my newsletter.

    Simple Tomato Sauce Recipe

    📋Simple Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce Recipe

    5 from 5 votes
    Laura Tobin
    Servings 5 people
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe
    This authentic Italian tomato sauce recipe is simple without many flavors or spices; garlic and basil are all you need. It is the basic principle of authentic Italian cuisine: simplicity is the winner when the tomatoes are tasty and full of flavor. Pasta al pomodoro o pasta asciutta is the pasta Italians would eat daily during the week. It has to be quick and made with easy Italian staple ingredients.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Pasta pan 8-Quart 3-Piece
    • Vegetable Strainer
    • KitchenAid Mixer
    • Glass jars
    • Wooden Turner Set

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 cloves peeled garlic cloves
    • 3 leaves fresh basil leaves
    • 2 cups homemade tomato sauce
    • 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 lb Maccheroni pasta
    • 5 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan
    • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta

    Instructions
     

    Preparing the tomato sauce

    • Stir fry the garlic with the extra virgin olive oil
      2 cloves peeled garlic cloves, 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • Once brown remove the garlic from the pan
    • Pour the tomato sauce, watch out as it can splatter
      2 cups homemade tomato sauce
    • Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir
      1 teaspoon salt
    • Add the basil leaves
      3 leaves fresh basil leaves
    • Cover and let it simmer with the top slightly open

    Prepare the pasta

    • Bring to boil a large pan of water with 1 tablespoon of salt
      1 tablespoon salt for pasta
    • Pour the Maccheroni in the water and let them boil for the time indicated in the box (I always do 1 minute less as I like it al dente)
      1 lb Maccheroni pasta
    • Drain the pasta and pour into a bowl

    Seasoning the pasta

    • Add immediately 3 tablespoon of tomato sauce and stir
    • Add more tomato sauce on top and decorate with some basil leaves
    • Add some freshly grated Parmesan either in the serving bowl or bring it at the table for everyone to add their desired amount
      5 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan

    Video

    Notes

    • For the tomato sauce, the best tomatoes are San Marzano. You can use a homemade sauce or a shop-bought one. I recommend the brand Mutti
    • When you buy canned tomato sauce, ensure the tin is perfectly intact, and there are no dents. Any damage on the tin can trigger bacteria in the sauce
    • If you use a homemade sauce, ensure the jar is vacuum sealed. It should be difficult to open
    • When I make the sauce, I remove the garlic once cooked. The oil will have absorbed the flavor from the garlic, and it is not necessary to leave it in the sauce, but if you like it, you can leave it in
    • The best pasta for tomato sauce is Maccheroni, but you can also use spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Buy a good brand
    • I always cook the pasta 1 minute less than what is indicated on the box
    • Once the cooking time has passed, drain the pasta immediately
    • Season the pasta as soon as possible, do not leave it in the bowl. If your sauce is not ready, use some extra virgin olive oil
    • Serve the pasta immediately

    Nutrition

    Calories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 15gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 2460mgPotassium: 527mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 479IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!
    important notes on ingredients

    More Summer Vegetables

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      The myth of San Marzano tomatoes
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      How To Make The Authentic Genovese Pesto Sauce
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Patty at Spoonabilities

      September 25, 2019 at 5:23 am

      5 stars
      What a great recipe! I love a simple sauce, and love love love the basil and garlic in this one!

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 25, 2019 at 6:34 am

        Thank you, simple is good when the ingredients are right

        Reply
    2. Gavin

      September 25, 2019 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      Everyone needs a good tomato sauce up their sleeve and this is defo one of the good ones!!

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 25, 2019 at 6:34 am

        Thank you, yes everyone does

        Reply
    3. Irina

      September 25, 2019 at 6:51 am

      5 stars
      This Tomato Sauce Recipe is a keeper. My homemade lasagna will taste wonderful with the basil-based tomato sauce. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 25, 2019 at 5:19 pm

        yes, basil and lasagna is a great combination

        Reply
    4. SHANIKA

      September 25, 2019 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      There's nothing like making your own Homemade Tomato Sauce! Such simple ingredients. This recipe looks so flavorful!

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 25, 2019 at 5:18 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    5. Veena Azmanov

      September 25, 2019 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      So many delicious dishes to make with this amazing sauce. I have to check this at home for sure.

      Reply
      • Laura

        September 25, 2019 at 5:18 pm

        Thanks, yes you can use it in so many dishes

        Reply
    5 from 5 votes

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    Laura Giunta Tobin

    Hi, I’m Laura. Welcome to my blog! While many talk about Italian food, I’ve lived it firsthand. Here, I share real Italian home cooking, just as it’s made in Italy. Won’t you join me?

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