Herbed Tomato Sauce
A vibrant, homemade tomato sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. Simmered slowly to deepen the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes, this versatile sauce clings perfectly to pasta, elevates pizzas, or works as a dipping sauce. Ready in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Prep the tomatoes and herbs.
1.Dice the 6 large tomatoes into small cubes.2.Mince the 4 garlic cloves.3.Finely chop the onion.4.Chop the fresh basil and parsley; set aside for finishing. - saute · ~8 min
Sauté the aromatics.
1.Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.2.Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (5-7 min).3.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1 min).TIPKeep the heat medium — garlic burns quickly and turns bitter. - saute · ~2 min
Bloom the tomato paste and dried herbs.
1.Add 2 tbsp tomato paste to the pan and stir constantly for 1 minute to caramelize.2.Sprinkle in dried oregano and dried basil; stir until fragrant (30 sec).TIPCaramelizing the paste deepens the umami and cuts any raw tinny taste. - simmer · ~30 min
Add tomatoes and simmer the sauce.
1.Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and sugar.2.Pour in 0.5 cup water and bring to a gentle boil.3.Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.TIPSimmer low and slow — the longer it cooks, the sweeter and thicker the sauce. - mix · ~2 min
Blend for a smooth consistency.
Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender directly in the pot for a smoother sauce, or leave it chunky for a rustic texture. If too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.
TIPLet the sauce cool slightly before blending to avoid dangerous steam pressure. - garnish · ~1 min
Fold in fresh herbs and serve.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot over pasta or use as a pizza base.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the brightest flavor, use peak-season, inedibly ripe tomatoes; pale ones make flat sauce.
- 2Let the garlic sizzle for only 30–60 seconds after adding it to avoid bitterness.
- 3If you prefer a chunky sauce, skip the immersion blender and crush tomatoes with a potato masher.
- 4Stir in a pat of butter at the end for a silky, restaurant-style finish.
- 5Make a double batch and freeze in zip-top bags (flat for easy thawing) for up to 3 months.
- 6A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the dried herbs will give a gentle warmth without heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy arrabbiata
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the dried herbs for a fiery kick. This variation turns the sauce into a classic Italian arrabbiata, perfect for spicy pasta lovers.
creamy tomatoCreamy tomato
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk after blending for a luscious, velvety sauce. This tones down acidity and pairs beautifully with delicate pastas like fettuccine.
veganVegan
The base recipe is already plant-based. Ensure the sugar used is organic or labeled vegan to avoid bone-char processing. The sauce works perfectly on its own or with vegan cheese.
roasted garlicRoasted garlic
Replace raw minced garlic with 6 roasted garlic cloves (mash them before adding) for a sweeter, mellow, nutty flavor. Roast by wrapping whole cloves in foil at 400°F for 30 minutes.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1 tablespoon and sauté onions in a splash of water or vegetable broth. The final sauce will be lighter but still flavorful, ideal for those watching fat intake.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cooked tomatoes release more lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart and prostate health. A splash of olive oil in this recipe helps your body absorb it better.
Low in Calories & Fat
Each serving of this tomato-based sauce is naturally low in calories and contains only heart-healthy olive oil as its fat source, making it a diet-friendly pasta topping.
Packed with Vitamin C
Fresh tomatoes, parsley, and basil all contribute vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production. Gentle simmering preserves much of this nutrient.
Garlic for Immune Support
Garlic contains allicin, a compound studied for its antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. The slight cooking in this recipe mellows its bite while retaining benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Use one 28-ounce can of whole peeled San Marzano or crushed tomatoes. Drain about half the liquid to avoid a watery sauce, then simmer as directed.
