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Basic Tomato Sauce

12 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Cook: 45 min.

Makes

5 servings

Updated: Jul. 19, 2024
This basic tomato sauce satisfies my pasta-loving husband much more than any store-bought kind. For a change of pace, I add ground beef or Italian sausage. It's also good with black olives, mushrooms and green peppers. —Jennifer Stephens, Pearland, Texas
Basic Tomato Sauce
Basic Tomato Sauce Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 10 fresh baby carrots, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Hot cooked pasta

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrots; cook and stir until tender, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
  2. Add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until carrots are tender, 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with pasta.

Basic Tomato Sauce Tips

How do you make basic tomato sauce richer?

Adding butter to tomato sauce makes for a nice, rich sauce that's perfect for your pasta. Adding in extra basil, extra garlic or even some cheese wouldn't hurt either.

How do I store this homemade tomato sauce?

Like other homemade pasta sauces, you'll want to store homemade tomato sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to four days. You can also freeze spaghetti sauce for up to three months.

What's the best type of pasta to use with a basic tomato sauce?

We believe that spaghetti is the best pasta shape to serve with tomato sauce. However, if you like a different noodle, go for it! It's truly a personal preference. Here are some of our other recommended pasta and sauce pairings.

Research contributed by Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 110 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 885mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.