Description

This irresistible tomato sauce offers a burst of flavor with fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and herbs. Perfect for quick dinners or a comforting meal, it’s easy to make and deliciously homemade.

Ingredients

Scale

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
8–10 garlic cloves, peeled
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and halved lengthwise through the root
1 (28-ounce) can crushed San Marzano (or Italian) tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can whole San Marzano tomatoes
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1–2 ounces fresh basil, stems and leaves
2–3 Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rinds
½ teaspoon dried oregano, optional
pinch dried red pepper flakes
kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic cloves and sauté for 8–10 minutes until golden. Add onion halves, cut-side down, and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add both cans of tomatoes, rinsing the cans with a splash of water. Add butter, Parmigiano rinds, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Crush basil stems and add them to the sauce. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a low boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust heat as needed and let the butter melt and tomatoes break down.
Remove and discard onion halves, cheese rinds, and bulky basil stems. Use a fork to crush the softened garlic and stir it back into the sauce. Adjust the consistency to your liking and season with salt and pepper.
Toss with your favorite pasta, adding a splash of starchy pasta water if needed. Finish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Notes

Using high-quality tomatoes like San Marzano makes a big difference in flavor.
Customize the heat of the sauce by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 12mg