How should I store leftovers?

This versatile sauce can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Can I freeze this sauce?

100% - portion out in large silicone cubes, freeze and then keep in a large storage bag for when you need.

Can I substitute other canned tomato variations?

I don’t recommend substituting canned diced tomatoes or pureed tomatoes. To keep the intense flavor, stick to whole San Marzano tomatoes for this sauce.

Are there low-calorie alternatives?

This is a pretty healthy and fresh sauce already, but you can cut back a little on the EVOO if you’re looking to shave a few calories.

June 8, 2025

Simple Tomato Sauce

Name: SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil ((EVOO)); 2 Cloves Garlic; 10 Large Basil Leaves; 1 28 Oz Can Whole San Marzano Tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Salt; ⅛ teaspoon Peperoncino (Red Pepper Flakes) (OPTIONAL)

This tomato sauce has become a staple in my kitchen—simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s the base of so many classic dishes, but also perfect on its own, spooned over fresh pasta.

Jump to Recipe

Italian Translation: Salsa di Pomodoro
Region of Origin: Campania
Wine Pairing Suggestion: Medium-bodied Chianti if sauce is being paired with a fresh pasta.
Category: Sauces (“Salse”)

Michelle’s Cucina

A note from my kitchen to yours.

This tomato sauce was one of the first dishes we learned in culinary school in Italy — as you might expect. It is the heart behind so many Italian classics, and thanks to its versatility, simplicity, and reliance on just a few good-quality ingredients, I thought it was only appropriate to be my official “first recipe” here. It’s a foundational recipe – comforting and beautifully uncomplicated… time and time again.

What You’ll Need to Make SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE:

Use as high quality of ingredients as possible with so few ingredients and easy preparation. It is amazing how simple ingredients can give you such full flavors!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Garlic Cloves
Fresh Basil
San Marzano Tomatoes – I use canned in this recipe as their intense flavors and excellent quality are well preserved in canned variations.
Peperoncino for a little kick

How to Make SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE:

STEP 1: Build the Flavors

In a medium saucepan, heat EVOO on medium heat for 2 minutes. Crush garlic gloves and add to EVOO. Heat for 2 minutes. Roughly tear 5 basil leaves and add to the saucepan, along with (optional) peperoncino/red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to medium-low and heat 60-90 seconds. Your stovetop should start smelling amazing right about now!

STEP 2: Bring in the Tomatoes

Add canned San Marzano tomatoes. Break up a little with a wooden spoon. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil. Then, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

STEP 3: Prepare to Serve

Remove the crushed garlic. Roughly tear the remaining 5 basil leaves and add to sauce and stir; and use an immersion hand blender to puree.

La Tocco Finale (“The Final Touch”):

Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the salt seasonings as needed.

How to Serve SIMPLE TOMATO SAUCE:

This super smooth tomato sauce is best with Long Pasta (“Pasta Lunga”), such as Spaghetti or Capelli d”Angelo, which is known as Angel Hair pasta. Garnish with fresh parmigiana cheese, fresh basil, ground pepper, and an olive oil drizzle.

This sauce is also a base for countless tomato-based Italian classics and variations including Lasagna, Eggplant Parmigiana, Pizza Sauces, Pappa al Pomodoro Tuscan soup, Bucatini all’ Amatriciana, Spaghetti alla Carrettiera, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca, and more.

Buon Appetito!

Helpful Tools for This Recipe:

Immersion Hand Blender

La Vita, Simplified:

I love to make the sauce in large batches and then portion out in ½ cup or 1 cup large silicone cubes to freeze. Once frozen, I’ll transfer the cubes to a large storage bag for when I need them on a busy weeknight.