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Discover the joy of homemade Pomodoro Sauce, a classic Italian tomato sauce that’s not just for pasta lovers. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, this sauce will become your new go-to recipe. Made with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, it’s a dish that brings the essence of Italy right to your kitchen. Ready in just 20 minutes, this small batch Pomodoro Sauce is a quick, delightful way to elevate a simple meal.
Enjoy Pomodoro Sauce over creamy buttered noodles, with a classic Chicken Parmesan, as a rich topping on a personal-sized pizza, alongside savory Eggplant Parmesan, or as a dip for warm, freshly baked French bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for a fast meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic items easily found in your pantry.
- Versatile: Great with pasta, chicken, or as a base for other dishes.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and spices creates a delicious taste.
- Convenient: Using canned tomatoes for ease and year-round availability.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Recipes
What Is Pomodoro Sauce?
Pomodoro Sauce is a traditional Italian tomato sauce, known for its fresh and vibrant taste. It’s made using garlic, tomatoes, and a selection of spices, typically served with pasta. This sauce captures the heart of Italian cooking with its simple yet robust flavors.
Ingredient Notes
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use a 14.5-ounce to 15-ounce can of whole tomatoes, diced tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes. Whole canned tomatoes are ideal for a smoother, richer sauce. If you have leftover canned tomatoes, consider using them to make Shrimp Creole, Penne alla Vodka, Caponata, or Tomato Soup.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my preferred choice for its rich flavor and high quality. It’s the least processed, retaining more of the natural olive taste and nutritional benefits. However, if you prefer, a lighter olive oil can be used as a substitute.
- Garlic: A key ingredient, minced garlic, infuses the sauce with a strong, aromatic flavor.
- Seasonings: The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, salt, and black pepper. These classic seasonings complement the tomato base perfectly.
- Honey: Just 1 1/2 tablespoons of honey is used. While it doesn’t sweeten the sauce, it helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Recipe Variations
Discover the versatility of this Pomodoro Sauce with these creative and delicious variations. Whether you’re looking to spice things up or add a creamy twist, these options will transform your sauce into a new culinary delight.
- Spicy Pomodoro: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Perfect for those who love a bit of spice in their meals.
- Creamy Pomodoro: For a richer, smoother texture, stir in a spoonful of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt. This variation adds a luxurious feel to the sauce.
- Garden Fresh: Mix in finely chopped fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for an aromatic herb-infused version. Fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor and fragrance.
- Veggie-Loaded: Sautee some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini and add them to the sauce for a nutritious and colorful twist.
- Seafood Pomodoro: Enhance the sauce with some cooked shrimp or mussels for a delightful seafood version.
How To Make Pomodoro Sauce
- Start by blending a can of tomatoes, along with their juices, in a blender. Pulse until you achieve a coarse purée.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat a bit of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook it just until it starts to turn golden brown.
- Pour the tomato purée into the saucepan. Season the mixture with a sprinkle of dried basil and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in a small amount of honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
While there’s something special about a tomato sauce that has simmered for hours, this quick pomodoro sauce recipe is perfect when you need a flavorful sauce in a shorter amount of time. It’s an ideal companion for your pasta dishes, offering a delicious taste without the long wait.
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Expert Tips
- Simmering Time: Let the sauce simmer to develop flavors.
- Garlic Preparation: Minced garlic releases more flavor.
- Tomato Quality: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pomodoro and Marinara sauces, both tomato-based, differ mainly in texture, ingredients, and cooking time. Pomodoro is smoother and thicker, made with minimal ingredients like tomatoes and garlic, and cooked briefly to retain a fresh tomato flavor. Marinara, in contrast, has a chunkier texture with a more complex flavor profile, including ingredients like onions and a variety of herbs, and is simmered longer for depth.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Store covered in the freezer for up to 3 months. You might even consider doubling this recipe to make extra to freeze and use later.
Explore More Small Batch Pasta Sauce Recipes
For those who enjoyed the simplicity and flavor of this Pomodoro sauce, there are other single serving sauce recipes you might find equally delightful:
- Alfredo Sauce: A creamy, rich, and indulgent sauce perfect for a comforting pasta dish.
- Vodka Sauce: A unique blend of flavors with a touch of vodka for an extra kick.
- Spaghetti Sauce: A hearty and savory option for meat lovers, ideal for a satisfying meal.
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this Pomodoro sauce or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below. If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!
Small Batch Pomodoro Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can whole tomatoes , diced tomatoes, or crushed tomatoes
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey , or more to taste
Instructions
- Start by blending a can of tomatoes, along with their juices, in a blender. Pulse until you achieve a coarse purée.Note: If using canned crushed tomatoes, no need to use the blender. The crushed tomatoes are already the right consistency.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook it just until it starts to turn golden brown, about 30 seconds.
- Pour the tomato purée into the saucepan. Season the mixture with a sprinkle of dried basil and salt.
- Stir in the honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings and honey as desired.
Notes
- Simmering Time: Let the sauce simmer to develop flavors.
- Garlic Preparation: Minced garlic releases more flavor.
- Tomato Quality: Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best taste.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I loved the idea of this recipe, but it was much too sweet for my tastes. I will definitely try it again though, with maybe a teaspoon of honey. I used a can of diced fire roasted tomatoes puréed in my hand blender. Easy.
A pinch of baking soda also cuts the acid from the tomatoes. Something my Nona always did.
I cheated and used fresh, peeled tomatoes. Turned out pretty good. I’ll grab a can of tomatoes (didn’t have any).
This is such an easy and delicious sauce. I made it while cooking some cheese ravioli. Excellent!
Could you use this instead of marinara I. Your crockpot Italian chicken recipe?
Yes, Debbie – that’s a great idea!
Joanie
Tried your pomodoro sauce tonight. Recipe is a keeper! Thanks!
Hi Judy,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for letting me know!
Have a wonderful week.
Joanie
Great ideas – but I don’t have a microwave so would appreciate other cooking methods ?
Thank you
Ann
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for reaching out. The Pomodoro Sauce recipe is made on the stovetop, not in the microwave 🙂
Joanie
Thank you for explaining what is pomodolo sauce I would have no clue. I love Italian food and often make Tomato sauce from scratch. I will try this next time 😀 Thank you!
Love this easy recipe for comfort food. A classic!
Delicious!!!