Imagine transforming simple, fresh ingredients into a mouthwatering pasta sauce that will make your family think a professional chef just walked into your kitchen. This authentic Italian Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings the vibrant flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant basil directly to your dining table. In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a sauce so delicious, it will become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests and satisfying comfort food cravings.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Fresh tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Onion
- Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and core the fresh tomatoes, then roughly chop them into medium-sized chunks.
- Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic cloves.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add diced onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the chopped fresh tomatoes into the pan, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Reduce heat to low-medium and let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and add them to the sauce during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Roma or San Marzano tomatoes work best for sauces.
- Use low-medium heat to prevent burning and allow tomatoes to break down slowly, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Don't rush the sautéing of onions and garlic—this builds a flavor foundation for your entire sauce.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright, aromatic qualities.
- For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree after cooking.
- If the sauce is too acidic, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so make extra to enjoy later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 75kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
