Keep the jarred pasta sauce aside for a moment, and make this super easy homemade fresh tomato pasta sauce just under 15 minutes. It is a simple 8 ingredient recipe for a win! Vegan and gluten-free.
Reserve 2-3 tablespoons pasta water for the sauce.
For the tomato sauce
Heat oil in a medium-size pan.
Once warm add in garlic and cook it for 15 seconds, stirring continuously.
Now add in the onions and cook until they sweat and turn translucent, for about a minute.
Add in the grape tomatoes and salt to the pan.
Give it a good stir and cook covered with a lid.
Let it soften on medium to low flame for 10 minutes, stirring once in between.
Now open the lid and smash the tomatoes with a fork or back of your spoon.
Add in the paste, dried herbs, pepper.
Stir well. Add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water if necessary.
Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
Switch off the flame.
Uncover and stir in the lemon zest and fresh herbs.
If you are not using it immediately or in a few hours, let the sauce cool down.
Store it in the refrigerator until use.
Assembling the pasta and sauce
Toss pasta in the sauce just before dinner.
Stir in ½ cup Parmesan or Romano cheese if desired.
Top it up with more fresh herbs or chili flakes.
Finish it off with a teaspoon of olive oil drizzle.
Notes
This recipe makes approx 3 cups of sauce.Skip cheese in the pasta, if vegan or use non-dairy options.Please go through the entire post for other types of tomatoes to be used.If using Spaghetti, use 8 oz of the noodles for this recipe.Adding tomato paste is optional but highly recommended. It binds the sauce together and adds a robust tomato flavor to it.Lemon zest is optional but tastes really great.This sauce is very rustic and a bit chunky. You may blitz it in a blender after it cools down if desired.
Important Tips for making a great fresh tomato pasta at home
Always use ripe and juicy tomatoes.
Cook the pasta and sauce simultaneously to save time.
Toss pasta in the sauce just before dinner.
How to store fresh tomato pasta sauce?
Feel free to make a big batch of this sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days ORfreeze in labeled freezer-safe zip lock bags or an airtight container for up to 3 months.
What pasta goes well with fresh tomato sauce?
Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli are my top choices. You may use any shape pasta.
Go beyond pasta!!!
You can use this instant tomato sauce over rice, any other grains like quinoa or barley.Roasted veggies or grilled tofu/paneer will taste great tossed in this sauce.