If you have been to Italy and had their tomato sauce on a pizza or pasta, then you have no doubt recognized that there is a unique flavor to the Italian tomato. I was blown away the first time I tried it in Italy on a thin crusted pizza and I spent years in between my first trips craving that oh so different and delicious taste. This sauce is everything I ever wanted and I owe it all to my non Italian brother-in-law for sharing it with me…haha. it’s quick and easy and have that perfect Italian flavor. You can add it to pastas or pizzas or any other recipe that calls for a red sauce or marinara sauce.

Easy Italian Tomato Sauce

The recipe -

1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup red onions diced
3 large fresh garlic cloves crushed. I have used anywhere from 2 to 7 depending on the size so don’t worry too much here. It can be made to your personal preference.
28 oz can or jar of peeled whole imported Italian San Marzano tomatoes*
1 tsp + kosher salt
A handful of large basil leaves torn into small pieces - about 8 - 10 leaves
Pecorino or parmesan cheese if serving with pasta

Cut up the tomatoes or crush in your hands into desired size pieces. If you’d like you can take out some of the seeds before chopping them by slicing them open and simply removing with your fingers. I usually take out some of the seeds but I don’t go crazy because the end product will be amazing either way. Set the cut up tomatoes and all the sauce from the can or jar aside.
In a large sautè pan heat the olive oil on medium heat. When hot add the red onion and sautè until softened. Add in the crushed garlic and saute a minute more.
Turn the heat up to medium high and add in the cut up tomatoes. Have a lid ready to cover the pan in case the tomatoes start spitting too much.
Add the salt and simmer the sauce (uncovered), stirring often. You want the sauce to simmer at a good pace without burning or spitting everywhere.
Cook for 7 or 8 min to thicken the sauce. Adjust salt if needed. Take off the heat and add in the torn basil leaves. Stir to combine.
Yields approx. 2 cups of sauce

To serve with pasta, add the sauce to your drained cooked pasta and stir to combine. You can save some of the pasta water to add back in if you want a thinner consistency. Plate the pasta and add grated pecorino or parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional basil if desire.

*I buy my San Marzano tomatoes at Trader Joe’s but I have ordered through Amazon during the lock down. They are fairly easy to find at most supermarket though. The price tag is usually a bit higher but I find the taste worth every cent.