Darthlaurie's Indispensable Basic Pasta Sauce

Elevate your pasta nights with Darthlaurie’s Indispensable Basic Pasta Sauce, a timeless recipe that combines rich, comforting flavors with effortless cooking. Made with pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and aromatic herbs including oregano and basil, this sauce strikes the perfect balance of savory and subtly sweet, thanks to a touch of sugar. Infused with the boldness of garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, and the deep undertones of a bay leaf, this sauce simmers to perfection in just 40 minutes. Its versatile consistency can be tailored with a splash of water or vegetable broth, making it perfect for any pasta dish. Ready in under an hour, this recipe pairs beautifully with spaghetti, penne, or even lasagna, and can be garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, herby finish. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a cozy dinner, this foolproof pasta sauce will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 cups water or vegetable broth (optional, to adjust consistency)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and soft, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.

Step 6

Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to allow steam to escape.

Step 7

Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water or vegetable broth a tablespoon at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar if necessary.

Step 9

Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1116.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	535.5

Total Fat 30.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1868.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 63.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.8g	0%
Total Sugars 36.2g
Protein 10.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 234.4mg	0%
Iron 8.3mg	0%
Potassium 2302.7mg	0%

*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: 47.8%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 44.8%