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)

Chicken Soup with Tortilla
Tomato-based chicken soup in a large bowl with a side of tortilla strips.

Chicken Soup with Tortilla

Delicious one-pot meal packed with flavor and ready in under an hour. Enjoy as a weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
12 Cups
Buttermilk Scones
Plate of golden whole-wheat scones with raisins.

Buttermilk Scones

This kid-approved scone recipe is good for breakfast, a holiday brunch or an everyday snack.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
9 Scones
West African Peanut Soup
Bowl of creamy soup with a tomato and peanut base with vegetables and chicken.

West African Peanut Soup

A quick-to-make soup recipe with warm curry spices, chicken breast and a hint of red pepper.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Red Cabbage with Apples
Plate of sauteed cabbage and apples.

Red Cabbage with Apples

A sweet and savory combination of sautéed cabbage, onion and apples that makes a perfect side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Microwave Popcorn
Large bowl of seasoned popcorn with cilantro.

Microwave Popcorn

Make the perfect snack at home with a paper bag!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
8 cups
Southern Okra Bean Stew
Bowl of okra, rice and bean soup with tomato-based broth.

Southern Okra Bean Stew

A combination of hearty whole grains, creamy beans and tasty veggies make a satisfying and delicious stew.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
14 cups