Skip to main content

Quick Tomato Pasta Sauce

A simple and delicious pasta sauce that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Tomato sauce served over spaghetti noodles.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic minced or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced or crushed tomatoes
¼ teaspoon each salt and black pepper
1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh garlic under running water before preparing.
  3. In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. (If using garlic powder, omit oil and skip this step).
  4. Add tomatoes, salt and black pepper. Add lemon juice and red pepper flakes, if desired. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally. For a thicker sauce, cook an extra 10 to 20 minutes to allow more liquid to evaporate.
  5. Serve over pasta, or use in any recipe that calls for pasta sauce.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

Comments

WOW!!!   This is for sure one of my fav Food Hero recipes because it tastes amazing (my family continues to say its a better sauce than anything from a jar/can) and it saves money and is soooooo quick!!  Try it!!  I have not ever used the lemon juice called for.  And i have used it as a pasta sauce with noodles, but also used it when a recipe calls for tomato sauce.  I always keep canned tomatoes in my pantry (stocking up when they are on sale) and boxed pasta so this recipe gets used a lot when I am in a hurry and need a quick dinner idea.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Parmesan Peas
Platter of peas and parmesan with a lemon slice.

Parmesan Peas

A quick and easy recipe of buttery peas with creamy parmesan and a hint of lemon. Ready in minutes!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Coconut Chicken Salad
Plate of shredded chicken with vegetables and coconut flakes served next to rice.

Coconut Chicken Salad

This simple chicken salad is our version of chicken kelaguen, a favorite recipe from Micronesia. Enjoy the blend of crisp vegetables, chicken, coconut, hot peppers and fresh lemon. Excellent the next day, too!
Prepare:
20 to 30 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Baked Zucchini Sticks
Breaded and baked zucchini slices are shown on a serving platter with a side of marinara sauce.

Baked Zucchini Sticks

Everyone will love these baked zucchini sticks. Enjoy as an appetizer or side with your favorite sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
Creamy pasta and broccoli in a skillet.

One-Pan Chicken Alfredo

A delicious one-pan pasta dish with the perfect blend of creamy cheese sauce, veggies and chicken.
Prepare:
30 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Broccoli and Everything Salad
Chopped broccoli, mixed with vegetables, chopped nuts and dressing, is displayed in a serving bowl.

Broccoli and Everything Salad

Fresh vegetables and your choice of protein combined with a creamy dressing. You'll love it as a side or on its own!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Tuna Veggie Melt
Plate of english muffins topped with a tuna mix and cheese.

Tuna Veggie Melt

A quick and satisfying meal that uses English muffins topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Muffin Halves