Did you know that you can make a pasta sauce from canned tomatoes that is so flavorful, your family will think it simmered all day?
You can have this homemade pasta sauce on the dinner table faster than you ever thought possible.
Pasta Sauce from Canned Tomatoes
If you’d told me ten years ago that a pasta sauce this flavorful is possible without simmering for hours, I likely wouldn’t have believed you.
At first taste though, you will understand why this sauce receives rave reviews every time I make it. You’ll notice that the lemon in this recipe is optional, but friends, please try it.
It elevates the sauce with an unexpected brightness that is unforgettable. Is the sauce truly delicious without the lemon? Undoubtedly, yes. But, is it even better with the lemon? Yes, yes, and YES.
Sauce would be amazing with meatballs or sausage added to it. You could use it as your sauce base in lasagna and other dishes. Stir in some steamed or sauteed broccoli and sprinkle with Parmesan or Romano cheese.
Easy Pasta Sauce
The ingredient list is short and sweet and you are likely going to scratch your head and say, “That is it.” Trust me just go with it.
- olive oil
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- kosher salt
- can crushed tomatoes
- can tomato sauce
- lemon zest OPTIONAL
Easy Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Combine the olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a cold saucepan. Warm over medium heat. Stir while it warms and when it is fragrant add the tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a simmer for just about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and taste the sauce. Add additional salt, if needed. Stir in the lemon zest and taste again. Serve warm.
FREEZER TIP: While I don’t typically freeze this sauce, (as it’s so simple to make as needed) it can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
This sauce is perfect when the garden is producing in high gear and you want to make vegetable spaghetti. Al dente works for your vegetables as well as your spaghetti!
Easy Homemade Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon finely minced lemon zest OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Combine the olive oil, garlic, pepper, and salt in a cold saucepan. Warm over medium heat. Stir while it warms and when it is fragrant add the tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Bring to a simmer for just about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and taste the sauce. Add additional salt, if needed. Stir in the lemon zest and taste again. Serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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