Quick and Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce – 15 Minutes to Perfection
Sometimes, the best meals are the simplest, and this 15-Minute Homemade Pasta Sauce is proof of that. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, good olive oil, and fragrant basil, this sauce is pure Italian comfort food, made in under 20 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a quick, homemade pasta fix without resorting to jarred sauce. It’s fresh, light, and bursting with flavor—just the way pasta sauce should be. And the best part? It’s packed with health benefits, thanks to its antioxidant-rich ingredients!
How to Serve This Homemade Pasta Sauce
This sauce is simple, fresh, and perfect over classic spaghetti, but it’s also great for:
- Tossing with zucchini noodles for a light, low-carb option
- Drizzling over homemade pizza for a fresh marinara twist
- Serving as a dip for warm, crusty bread
- Layering into lasagna for a homemade touch
Pair it with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine for the ultimate weeknight meal.
Homemade Pasta Sauce
Rate This Recipe:
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large saucepan or dutch oven
- wooden spoons or tongs
- mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 24 oz whole, peeled tomatoes I like to use San Marzano
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil plus more for serving
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1½ tsp sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic slightly smashed
- 3-4 sprigs fresh basil
- Kosher salt for cooking pasta
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.Kosher salt
- Cook the spaghetti for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente.1 lb spaghetti
- While the pasta cooks, pour the tomatoes into a bowl and crush with your hands.24 oz whole, peeled tomatoes
- Place a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Simmer olive oil, garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, and sea salt for 1 to 2 minutes.¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 pinch red pepper flakes, 1½ tsp sea salt, 2 cloves garlic
- Add the hand-crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes. The longer they simmer, the deeper the flavor.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta to the sauce along with the reserved pasta water. Gently toss the pasta into the sauce using tongs. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in fresh basil, toss to combine, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan cheese.3-4 sprigs fresh basil, Parmesan cheese
Video
More About This Recipe
Pro Tips for the Best Homemade Pasta Sauce
- Use San Marzano Tomatoes – They have a naturally rich, sweet flavor with low acidity, making them perfect for quick sauces.
- Crush the Tomatoes by Hand – This gives the sauce a rustic, textured feel instead of an overly processed consistency.
- Let the Garlic Infuse the Olive Oil – Cooking garlic in olive oil for just a minute deepens the flavor without burning it.
- Save That Pasta Water! – The starch from the pasta water helps thicken the sauce and coat the noodles beautifully.
- Simmer for Flavor – While this sauce comes together in 15 minutes, letting it simmer longer intensifies the flavor even more.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Pot for Boiling Pasta – A must for evenly cooked noodles.
- Saucepan or Dutch Oven – To infuse the olive oil and cook the sauce.
- Tongs – For easily tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- Garlic Press or Knife – To lightly smash the garlic for maximum flavor.
- Microplane or Cheese Grater – For fresh Parmesan garnish.
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pasta Sauce
- San Marzano Tomatoes for Antioxidants & Heart Health
San Marzano tomatoes are known for their naturally sweet, low-acid flavor, making them perfect for pasta sauce. They’re also packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to heart health and reduced inflammation. - Olive Oil for Healthy Fats & Brain Function
A good-quality extra virgin olive oil isn’t just about flavor—it’s loaded with monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and support brain health. - Garlic for Immune Support & Gut Health
Fresh garlic doesn’t just add incredible depth of flavor—it also supports immune function and gut health. Garlic has also been known to contain prebiotics that help balance gut bacteria and reduce inflammation. - Basil for Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Fresh basil isn’t just for garnish—it’s rich in antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation. - Red Pepper Flakes for Metabolism Boost
If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes not only enhance flavor but can also boost metabolism. Capsaicin, the active compound in chili flakes, has been linked to increased fat oxidation and appetite regulation.
Final Thoughts
This 15-Minute Homemade Pasta Sauce proves that simple ingredients can create the most incredible flavors. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep on repeat. It’s fresh, delicious, and so much better than anything from a jar!
Try it out and let me know what you think! Tag me in your pasta night creations—I love seeing what you’re cooking!