Basic Tomato Sauce

When people ask me about my cooking specialty, I often surprise them by mentioning my simple tomato sauce. Many assume making tomato sauce is an all-day affair, but I’ve discovered that the most incredible sauce requires just four pantry staples: good olive oil, salt, canned tomatoes, and half an onion. This recipe serves 2 people (or one very hungry pasta enthusiast).

The secret lies in understanding that this isn’t just a tomato sauce – it’s really an olive oil sauce with tomatoes. Using quality extra virgin olive oil creates the foundation for this quick sauce that comes together while your pasta cooks. While you don’t need a $40 bottle, finding a good $9-12 option makes all the difference.

Yield: 2 Servings

Basic Tomato Sauce

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A four-ingredient tomato sauce that proves simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Made while your pasta cooks, this quick sauce relies on quality olive oil, good tomatoes, and proper technique rather than complicated ingredients.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for finishing
• 1/2 medium onion, frenched or diced
• 1 can (14 oz) whole Italian tomatoes in puree
• Sea salt to taste
• 1/2 pound pasta of choice (preferably short pasta like farfalle)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.
2. Coat the bottom of a pan with olive oil and heat over high heat.
3. Add sliced onions to the hot oil.
4. Cook onions until softened, stirring occasionally.
5. Season onions with salt to taste.
6. Push onions to the sides of the pan.
7. Add more oil if needed, then add whole tomatoes.
8. Crush tomatoes with tongs in the pan.
9. Season tomatoes with salt.
10. Stir tomatoes and onions together.
11. Reduce heat and simmer until sauce thickens.
12. Cook pasta until 1 minute before al dente.
13. Add pasta to sauce with a splash of pasta water.
14. Cook together until pasta is perfectly done.
15. Finish with a drizzle of fresh olive oil.

Notes

The sauce is ready when you can drag your utensil through it and see the bottom of the pan. If it becomes too thick, add more pasta water. If too thin, increase heat and reduce further. Always remember that the sauce should wait for the pasta, never the other way around.

For variations, try adding fresh herbs, a splash of wine, or chili flakes with the onions. You can also finish the dish with fresh basil, grated cheese, or a pat of butter. The sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 175Total Fat: 9gSodium: 250mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 2.5gSugar: 5.5gProtein: 3.5g