Italian Sauce from Scratch

Transform your kitchen into a Tuscan trattoria with this homemade Italian Sauce from Scratch—an irresistibly rich, vibrant, and flavorful tomato-based sauce that’s perfect for pasta night or any Italian-inspired dish. Made with a harmonious blend of aromatic garlic, sautéed onion, crushed tomatoes, and a medley of dried herbs like oregano and basil, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. A touch of sugar cuts through the tomatoes' natural acidity, while optional red chili flakes add a gentle kick of spice. Simmered to perfection for a deep, robust flavor, this classic sauce can be customized to your liking—blend it smooth or leave it chunky for rustic charm. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy, versatile recipe that pairs beautifully with pasta, lasagna, or even pizza. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate Italian comfort dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 0 Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.

Step 5

Mix in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, and red chili flakes if using.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Step 7

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the sauce cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as necessary. Add a pinch more sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic.

Step 9

If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.

Step 10

Remove the sauce from heat and serve over your favorite pasta, as a pizza topping, or as a base for lasagna or other Italian dishes.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1019.2 grams (1019.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	663

Total Fat 45.00g	58%
Saturated Fat 7.00g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 4mg	1%
Sodium 2533mg	110%
Total Carbohydrate 63.50g	23%
Dietary Fiber 14.70g	53%
Total Sugars 36.20g
Protein 12.50g	25%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 254mg	20%
Iron 7mg	41%
Potassium 1974mg	42%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.1%

Protein: 7.1%

Carbs: 35.8%