Hey friends, it’s Patricia from Patricia Universe. There’s something magical about mastering a classic, and today I’m sharing my go-to quick and easy pasta recipe that’s become a non-negotiable in my kitchen. This authentic Italian tomato sauce is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular with minimal effort. It’s the ultimate quick and easy pasta recipe for turning a hectic Tuesday into a cozy, delicious dinner.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Hero
- More Than Just a Simple Pasta Sauce
- The Secret to a Rich, Balanced Flavor
- Your Go-To Guide for a Stress-Free Pasta Night
- Making It Your Own: Easy Variations
- Patricia’s Pro-Tips for the Best Results
- Full Recipe: Authentic Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
- Notes & Tips for Success
Key Takeaways
- 30 Minutes to Dinner: This authentic Italian tomato sauce comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a true quick and easy dinner recipe.
- Flavor from Simplicity: A handful of pantry staples transforms into a rich, comforting sauce that rivals restaurant-quality dishes.
- Endlessly Versatile: It’s the perfect base for countless easy recipes for dinner, from classic spaghetti to baked casseroles.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze portions for instant future meals, streamlining your quick and easy recipes for dinner planning.
Why This Recipe Is a Weeknight Hero
We’ve all been there—staring into the pantry after a long day, willing dinner to make itself. That’s where this sauce shines. It requires zero fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. With just an onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, and a few dried herbs, you’re on your way to a meal that feels both special and completely effortless. It’s the reliable simple and easy recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
More Than Just a Simple Pasta Sauce
While it’s perfection tossed with al dente spaghetti, this sauce is incredibly versatile. Think of it as your flavorful kitchen workhorse. Thin it with a little broth for a quick pizza sauce, use it as a base for a hearty shakshuka, or simmer meatballs in it for a classic Sunday supper. It elevates every dish from a simple meal to something truly memorable.
The Secret to a Rich, Balanced Flavor
The magic happens in the simmer. Giving the sauce a gentle 15-20 minute cook allows the flavors to meld and deepen, mellowing the acidity of the tomatoes and creating a beautifully rich texture. That optional pinch of sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it’s a professional chef’s trick to perfectly balance the tomatoes’ natural tang, resulting in a smoother, more complex flavor profile.
Your Go-To Guide for a Stress-Free Pasta Night
Organization is the key to any successful quick and easy pasta recipe. My best advice? Get your water boiling and your ingredients prepped (the “mise en place”) before you even turn on the skillet. This “set-it-and-forget-it” simmering sauce gives you the perfect window to cook your pasta to al dente perfection and maybe even toss together a simple green salad. Dinner is served without the last-minute scramble.
Making It Your Own: Easy Variations
Once you’ve mastered the base, the fun begins. Sauté some mushrooms with the onions for an earthy twist. Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra depth. For a creamy version, finish the sauce with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta. Craving protein? Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef right in the pan before adding the onions. This recipe is a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Patricia’s Pro-Tips for the Best Results
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don’t be shy! It should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy liquid is liquid gold for creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Fresh Grated Cheese Only: The pre-grated stuff contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. A block of Parmigiano-Reggiano and a microplane are worth the investment.
- Embrace the Basil: Add torn fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
Full Recipe: Authentic Quick Italian Tomato Sauce
Find the complete, printable recipe with ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions in the recipe card below this post.
Notes & Tips for Success
- Freezing: This sauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Cool completely and store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth sauce (perfect for picky eaters or dipping), use an immersion blender directly in the pot before adding the pasta.
- Wine Option: For an extra layer of flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of dry red or white wine after cooking the onions and garlic, letting it reduce by half before adding the tomatoes.
- No Fresh Basil? A teaspoon of high-quality dried basil added with the oregano works in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for finishing.
Authentic Quick Italian Tomato Sauce | Quick & Easy Pasta Recipes
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For Serving
- 1 lb pasta of choice (such as spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Instructions
Make the Sauce
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and torn basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce tastes too acidic, stir in a teaspoon of sugar.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Pasta & Serve
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with plenty of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
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