Italian Pasta Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14-ounce) can of diced tomatoes (or use whole tomatoes and crush them by hand)
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Heat the Olive Oil:
    • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
    • Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
    • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  3. Add Tomatoes:
    • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (or crushed whole tomatoes). Stir to combine.
  4. Season the Sauce:
    • Add the dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your sauce to have a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes at this stage.
  5. Simmer:
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Taste and Adjust:
    • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your preferences.
  7. Optional Fresh Basil:
    • If you have fresh basil leaves, you can add some torn or chopped basil leaves to the sauce just before serving. This adds a delightful burst of freshness.
  8. Serve:
    • Your Italian pasta sauce is now ready to be served over your favorite pasta. It pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

This homemade Italian pasta sauce is versatile and can be used in a variety of pasta dishes or as a base for other Italian recipes. Enjoy the rich, authentic flavors of this sauce in your favorite pasta dishes.