Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the garlic in olive oil on the stovetop first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cheese during the final 30 minutes of cooking time. This method works beautifully for busy days when you can't monitor a stovetop.

Why is my sauce too watery?

If you're using fresh tomatoes, they naturally contain more water than canned. Extend the uncovered simmering time to allow excess moisture to evaporate. For a quicker fix, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and a little sauce, then stir it back into the pot.

Can I can this sauce for long-term storage?

Yes, this sauce is perfect for water bath canning with one important modification: add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice per pint jar to ensure proper acidity for safe preservation. Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes for pints and 40 minutes for quarts.

Is this sauce suitable for people with dairy allergies?

The cheese can be omitted entirely for a dairy-free version. Consider adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a similar umami quality without dairy, or simply enjoy the pure tomato flavor which is delicious in its own right.

Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe

Name: Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12-15 fresh tomatoes or 3-4 cans of crushed tomatoes (28-ounce sized cans); 4 cloves of garlic, chopped or pressed; 4-6 tablespoons fresh basil (or 1-2 tablespoons dried basil); 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

Description

This homemade pasta sauce is a rich, flavorful, and versatile recipe that is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta dishes or as a base for other Italian-inspired meals. Made with juicy crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh or dried basil, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, this sauce is easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection for deep, comforting flavors. Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner or planning a family gathering, this pasta sauce is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Ingredients

12–15 fresh tomatoes or 3-4 cans of crushed tomatoes (28-ounce sized cans)
4 cloves of garlic, chopped or pressed
4–6 tablespoons fresh basil (or 1–2 tablespoons dried basil)

Pantry Staples

1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

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Instructions

Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large pot (5+ quart) over medium heat. Add chopped or pressed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, ensuring you do not burn the garlic as it will turn bitter.
Add the Tomatoes and Spices
Introduce the fresh or canned tomatoes into the pot, along with the black pepper, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir the mixture well to combine all the flavors evenly.
Simmer the Sauce
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep the pot uncovered for the first half of the simmering process to help the sauce reduce, then cover the pot for the second half.
Incorporate the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan or Romano cheese and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will enrich the sauce with a creamy and tangy flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sauce from the heat and serve it over your favorite pasta, or use it as a base for pizzas, casseroles, or other dishes. Enjoy your homemade pasta sauce!

Notes

For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender toward the end of cooking to achieve your desired texture.
For a less acidic taste, add a pinch of baking soda in addition to sugar.
You can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 170
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 290mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 10mg