Simple Pasta Sauce

Name: Simple Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 20 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Want to learn how to make pasta sauce? This simple recipe is a great place to start. It's on the table in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 teaspoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a small saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-5 minutes. Add brown sugar and garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the tomatoes, basil, oregano, bay leaf, salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until liquid is reduced. Remove bay leaf.

Nutrition Facts

1/2 cup: 69 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.

This is a simple pasta sauce that you can use for more than just spaghetti. Puree this recipe for pizza sauce or a great dipping sauce. I also like to make a variation for bruschetta by omitting the olive oil, using fire-roasted diced tomatoes and simply combining the uncooked ingredients. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving on toasts. —Deborah Markwood, Chester, Virginia

Recipe Creator