This wonderful Pomodoro Sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients and can be ready in 20 minutes! This easy tomato sauce is made with tomatoes, garlic, and spices and is perfect served with pasta or chicken.
This Pomodoro Sauce recipe is one that every home cook should have. Pomodoro sauce is basically a flavorful Italian tomato sauce made with garlic, tomatoes, and spices. It is typically served with pasta.
Why This Recipe Works
The ingredient list is short, the sauce comes together quickly, and this delightful tomato sauce can elevate a simple bowl of pasta any day.
You can certainly make pomodoro sauce with fresh tomatoes but I love using canned tomatoes because I always seem to have a can in my pantry. Using canned is convenient and enables me to be able to make the sauce quickly.
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Ingredient Notes
See recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Canned tomatoes: Use 1 (14.5-ounce to 15-ounce) can of whole tomatoes.
- Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil in this pomodoro sauce recipe as well as in every other recipe on One Dish Kitchen that calls for olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is the least processed form of olive oil. It is an unrefined oil and the highest-quality olive oil you can buy. Because of the way extra virgin olive oil is made, it retains more true olive taste. It also contains more of the vitamins and minerals found in olives. It's my favorite type of olive oil to use but you may use a lighter olive oil instead.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a lot of flavor to the sauce.
- Seasonings: Dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Honey: Use just 1 ½ tablespoons of honey. This will not make the sauce sweet, honey helps to balance the tomato acidity.
How To Make This Recipe
- Begin by pouring a can of tomatoes with juices in a blender and pulse to form a coarse purée.
- Heat a little oil in a medium-sized saucepan and cook minced garlic until it begins to brown.
- Add in the tomato purée and season with a little dried basil and a touch of salt.
- Finally, stir in a little bit of honey to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Not much can beat a big pot of tomato sauce simmering for hours on the stove. The aroma that fills your kitchen is amazing. But when you want a quick sauce to serve with your pasta, this easy pomodoro sauce recipe is ideal.
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Expert Tips
- Pomodoro sauce is not traditionally spicy but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you would like yours to have a little kick.
- Feel free to use fresh basil, if desired. Just tear a few basil leaves with your fingers and add them to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both sauces are very similar. Traditionally Marinara sauce is simmered on the stove for a longer period of time and Pomodoro sauce cooks very quickly and has a simple ingredient list.
Store Pomodoro sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
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.
Other Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipes
If you like this Pomodoro sauce recipe, you might also like to try these single serving sauce recipes:
Serving Suggestions
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.
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Pomodoro Sauce Recipe For One
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 14.5-ounce can whole 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
- Begin by pouring the can of tomatoes with juices in a blender and pulse to form a coarse purée.
- Heat the oil in a medium-sized saucepan set to medium-high heat. Cook minced garlic until it begins to brown, 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the tomato purée and season with the dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the honey.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings and honey as desired.
Notes
- Pomodoro sauce is not traditionally spicy but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you would like yours to have a little kick.
- Feel free to use fresh basil, if desired. Just tear a few basil leaves with your fingers and add them to the sauce.
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.
Theresa says
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).
Elaine says
This is such an easy and delicious sauce. I made it while cooking some cheese ravioli. Excellent!
Debbie says
Could you use this instead of marinara I. Your crockpot Italian chicken recipe?
Joanie Zisk says
Yes, Debbie - that's a great idea!
Joanie
Judy G says
Tried your pomodoro sauce tonight. Recipe is a keeper! Thanks!
Joanie Zisk says
Hi Judy,
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for letting me know!
Have a wonderful week.
Joanie
ann says
Great ideas - but I don't have a microwave so would appreciate other cooking methods ?
Thank you
Ann
Joanie Zisk says
Hi Ann,
Thanks so much for reaching out. The Pomodoro Sauce recipe is made on the stovetop, not in the microwave 🙂
Joanie
Shiho says
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!
Alyssa says
Love this easy recipe for comfort food. A classic!
Wilhelmina Wessel says
Delicious!!!