This easy tomato pasta sauce will transform your pasta dishes with its rich, robust flavours. Bursting with fresh herbs and a hint of cinnamon, this sauce is a game-changer in the kitchen. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
You'll also love my easy halloumi pasta, tomato mascarpone sauce, Italian chicken in tomato sauce and meatballs in tomato sauce.
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⭐️ Why this recipe works
- Rich Flavour: The combination of fresh and dried herbs with a hint of cinnamon adds depth and complexity.
- Versatility: This sauce can be used with various pasta types, as a pizza base, or in other Italian dishes.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with wholesome, natural ingredients without preservatives or added sugars.
- Easy Preparation: Simple steps and common pantry ingredients make it accessible for any home cook.
- Customisable: Easily adaptable with different herbs, spices, or added vegetables to suit personal tastes.
🧾 Ingredients overview
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the onions and garlic.
- Red Onion: Provides a sweet and savoury base flavour.
- Garlic: Enhances the sauce with its aromatic, savory notes.
- Garlic Granules: Intensifies the garlic flavour throughout the sauce.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavour.
- Dried Basil: Contributes a sweet, slightly peppery taste.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the other flavours.
- Chili Flakes: Brings a subtle heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Tomato Puree: Concentrates the tomato flavour and thickens the sauce.
- Vegetable Stock: Adds depth and enhances the sauce’s savoury notes.
- Chopped Tomatoes: The main body of the sauce, providing texture and a fresh tomato taste.
For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
👩🏻🍳 Here's how to make it
Tomato Pasta Sauce recipe step-by-step
- Prepare the Base: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sweat over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Season with sea salt to taste.
- Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Stir in the garlic granules, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon, and chilli flakes. Mix well with the onions and garlic, allowing the flavours to meld for a few minutes.
- Tomato Puree: Add the tomato puree, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let it cook for a couple of minutes.
- Add Vegetable Stock: Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. The mixture will be salty at this stage—don’t worry, it will balance out.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer again. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavours to distribute evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the spices, herbs, or seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more cinnamon for extra warmth.
📖 Variations
- Stock: Substitute chicken stock or beef stock for vegetable stock to add different flavour profiles.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried; just remember to use more since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
- Spice: Adjust the chilli flakes for more or less heat according to your preference.
- Garlic Granules: Use garlic powder or more fresh garlic if granules are unavailable.
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.
- Caramelise Onions: Let the onions caramelise slightly for a sweeter, richer base.
- Umami Boost: Add a small amount of soy sauce to enhance the umami depth of the sauce.
- Cheese Rind: Simmer a Parmesan rind in the sauce for a richer, savoury flavour. Remove it before serving.
- Double Cooking: Cook the sauce twice, letting it cool completely in between. This intensifies the flavours.
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
- Fridge: Store the cooled sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the sauce in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature. You may need to add a splash of water or stock to loosen it up.
❓Recipe FAQ's
How do I prevent the sauce from being too watery?
Ensure you simmer it uncovered, allowing excess water to evaporate, and use high-quality canned tomatoes that are less watery.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely. Ground beef, Italian sausage, or even pancetta can be added to make it a meat sauce.
Looking for other Italian recipes like this? Try these:
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Easy and Rich Tomato Pasta Sauce
This hearty tomato pasta sauce is perfect for any pasta dish. Infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of cinnamon, it provides a rich, flavourful base that's both easy to make and delicious.
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Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients
- 45 ml (3 tablespoon) olive oil
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 teaspoons garlic granules
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons tomato puree
- 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, made from a stock cube
- 800 ml (18 oz) chopped tomatoes, 2 x 400ml tins
Instructions
Prepare the Base:
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and sweat over low heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until soft and fragrant. Season with sea salt to taste.
Incorporate Herbs and Spices:
- Stir in the garlic granules, dried oregano, dried basil, ground cinnamon, and chili flakes. Mix well with the onions and garlic, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
Tomato Puree:
- Add the tomato puree, stirring to combine thoroughly. Let it cook for a couple of minutes.
Add Vegetable Stock:
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer. The mixture will be salty at this stage—don’t worry, it will balance out.
Add Tomatoes:
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and bring to a simmer again. Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to distribute evenly.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the spices, herbs, or seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more cinnamon for extra warmth.
Notes
- Tomato Variations: Whole peeled plum tomatoes can be used, but the texture will differ. You may need to add extra water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Sweetness: This recipe doesn’t include sugar because the cinnamon balances the acidity with a hint of sweetness and warmth. Feel free to add sugar if preferred.
- Thickness Adjustment: For a thicker sauce, continue simmering until the desired consistency is reached. Be mindful of the seasoning, as reducing the sauce will concentrate the flavours, making it saltier.
Nutrition
Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 276mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
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Meet the Chef!
Hi, I'm Debs, a Cordon Bleu-trained chef dedicated to helping you create unforgettable meals on a budget. Discover more about my journey and dive into a world of foolproof recipes designed for those who love to eat well without overspending.
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