SAN MARZANO TOMATO SAUCE (WITH PASTA!)

San Marzano tomato sauce (with pasta!) is a budget-friendly, fuss-free dish. This authentic Italian tomato sauce perfectly coats pasta and is the best sauce for serving a family, feeding a crowd, or a simple meal for two. Using healthy ingredients, it's quick and straightforward to prepare.

I love carbs and Italian sauce recipes ❤️ 🍅 🍝

Jump to:

• 🍝 A BUDGET-FRIENDLY DINNER PARTY MENU IDEA
• ❤️ HERE'S WHY THIS IS A BUDGET MEAL
• 🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUIONS
• 👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
• 📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
• ❓FAQS
• 💫 MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE AND REHEATING
• LOOKING FOR MORE PASTA RECIPES?
• Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
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One of the main advantages of making red sauce from scratch is that it uses simple and inexpensive ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens or can be purchased at an affordable price from any grocery store.

Like my vegan chili beans, this recipe is easy to prepare and does not cost a fortune. You can also use this easy tomato sauce recipe for a Neopolitan Pizza Sauce.

🍝 A BUDGET-FRIENDLY DINNER PARTY MENU IDEA

If I'm hosting a party, I love to serve my Hot Spinach Dip or Pizza Toast as an appetizer. Followed by San Marzano tomato sauce with penne pasta, and then ending it off with my easy Biscoff Tiramisu for dessert.

❤️ HERE'S WHY THIS IS A BUDGET MEAL

Affordable Ingredients – You don’t need fancy or costly ingredients to make a delicious sauce.

Feeds a Crowd – A single batch of tomato sauce can stretch over multiple servings, making it perfect for families or meal prep. Pair it with affordable pasta, and you’ve got a filling meal for very little cost per portion.

Long Shelf Life – Canned tomatoes, dried pasta, and basic seasonings can be stored for months, allowing you to stock up when they’re on sale.

🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUIONS

Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL:

Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil.

ONION:

Just a small onion is needed.

GARLIC CLOVES:

Fresh, crushed garlic is best.

OREGANO:

Fresh or dried oregano. You can swap this with Italian spice

SAN MARZANO TOMATOES:

Whole or crushed tomatoes.

BASIL:

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

👩🏼‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare the Sauce:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper to the skillet and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant.

Once the onion is softened, add the garlic to the skillet. Allow them to infuse their flavor into the oil for a minute or two, being careful not to let them burn. Add the chopped oregano.

Next, pour in the tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Let the sauce simmer gently over low heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally and allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend it with an immersion blender.

Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

Buon appetite!

📝 TIPS AND TRICKS

Sauté the Onions and Garlic Properly: Take your time sautéing the onions and garlic to develop their flavors fully. Cook them over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to brown or burn them.

Versatile & Customizable – You can add whatever you have on hand—veggies, beans, or even a little protein—without breaking the bank. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!

❓FAQS

💫 MAKE-AHEAD, STORAGE AND REHEATING

MAKE-AHEAD:

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

STORAGE:

Once the sauce has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

FREEZING:

Choose freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags for storing the sauce. Make sure the containers are airtight to prevent freezer burn and odors from affecting the sauce. Freeze for up to three months.

REHEATING:

To reheat, transfer the sauce to a saucepan and warm it over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if needed to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.

LOOKING FOR MORE PASTA RECIPES?

Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚

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