Quick Homemade Italian Tomato Sauce
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Rich, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes—your weeknight pasta just found its perfect match.
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There’s something magical about a great tomato sauce—especially when it’s bursting with authentic Italian flavor. While we adore slow-simmered sauces for lazy Sundays, this quick version is a weeknight hero. It’s fresh, bold, and miles ahead of anything you’ll find in a jar.
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🧂 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Crushed tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (28 oz) |
| White onion, diced | ½ medium |
| Carrots, peeled & finely diced | 2 medium |
| Garlic cloves, crushed | 4 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh basil, finely chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian parsley, finely chopped | ¼ cup |
| Kosher salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
👩🍳 Preparation
1. Sauté the Base
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add diced carrots, onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until onions are translucent and carrots are tender—about 5–7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic
Stir in crushed garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Build the Sauce
Increase heat to high and pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in chopped basil and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
4. Sweeten & Simmer
Add sugar and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Finish with Herbs
Stir in fresh parsley and simmer for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This sauce pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or even as a base for homemade pizza. Want to elevate it further? Add a splash of red wine or a pinch of chili flakes for extra depth.
