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Home » Recipes » Small Batch Sauces

By Joanie Zisk Published: Jun 3, 2019 · Updated: Feb 15, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · Please read my disclosure

Easy Pomodoro Sauce For One

Jump to Recipe
a bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce on top.

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.

A bowl of pasta topped with tomato sauce plated on a metal tray with a glass of red wine

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.

RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Recipes

A fork swirling spaghetti that is topped with tomato sauce on a metal tray with a glass of red wine

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.
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How To Make This Recipe

  1. Begin by pouring a can of tomatoes with juices in a blender and pulse to form a coarse purée.
  2. Heat a little oil in a medium-sized saucepan and cook minced garlic until it begins to brown.
  3. Add in the tomato purée and season with a little dried basil and a touch of salt.
  4. Finally, stir in a little bit of honey to cut the acidity of the tomatoes.
  5. 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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A closeup of spaghetti hanging from a fork

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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

What Is The Difference Between Pomodoro Sauce and Marinara?

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.

How Do I Store Pomodoro Sauce?

Store Pomodoro sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Can I Freeze Pomodoro Sauce?

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:

  • Alfredo Sauce For One
  • Vodka Sauce For One
  • Meat Sauce For One

Serving Suggestions

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Irish Soda Bread
  • Avocado Salad

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!

Pomodoro Sauce For One | One Dish Kitchen

Pomodoro Sauce Recipe For One

Simple recipe for Pomodoro Sauce For One, a single serving portion of a quick and easy to make tomato sauce made with tomatoes, garlic and spices. Ready in minutes!
4.86 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
See the post above for expert tips,
FAQs and ways to use leftover ingredients.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 1 person
Calories: 212kcal
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

  • Blender
  • 2 quart saucepan

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
US Customary - Metric

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

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.
Nutrition Facts
Pomodoro Sauce Recipe For One
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 212 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Sodium 1163mg51%
Carbohydrates 44g15%
Sugar 34g38%
Vitamin C 0.9mg1%
Iron 0.2mg1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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.

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About Joanie Zisk

Joanie Zisk is the creator of OneDishKitchen.com, the number one go-to site for single serving recipes. The aim of One Dish Kitchen is to inspire individuals with access to single serving recipes that will enable them to enjoy the preparation of a meal that will nourish both body and soul. Her website is filled with hundreds of easy, flavorful recipes that are tailored for those cooking for one. Joanie is the author of "The Ultimate Cooking For One Cookbook" and her recipes and food photography have been featured in various publications including, TODAY.com, Huffington Post, Real Simple, Self.com,Women’s Day, Buzzfeed, and others. Come say hello and follow Joanie on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Theresa says

    June 26, 2021 at 9:23 am

    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).

    Reply
  2. Elaine says

    May 10, 2021 at 4:37 pm

    This is such an easy and delicious sauce. I made it while cooking some cheese ravioli. Excellent!

    Reply
  3. Debbie says

    September 10, 2019 at 5:42 pm

    Could you use this instead of marinara I. Your crockpot Italian chicken recipe?

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      September 11, 2019 at 7:25 am

      Yes, Debbie - that's a great idea!

      Joanie

      Reply
  4. Judy G says

    October 23, 2018 at 9:44 pm

    Tried your pomodoro sauce tonight. Recipe is a keeper! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      October 29, 2018 at 11:55 am

      Hi Judy,
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for letting me know!
      Have a wonderful week.
      Joanie

      Reply
  5. ann says

    July 10, 2018 at 8:58 am

    Great ideas - but I don't have a microwave so would appreciate other cooking methods ?
    Thank you
    Ann

    Reply
    • Joanie Zisk says

      July 11, 2018 at 4:56 pm

      Hi Ann,

      Thanks so much for reaching out. The Pomodoro Sauce recipe is made on the stovetop, not in the microwave 🙂

      Joanie

      Reply
  6. Shiho says

    July 04, 2018 at 12:16 am

    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!

    Reply
  7. Alyssa says

    July 03, 2018 at 11:04 pm

    Love this easy recipe for comfort food. A classic!

    Reply
  8. Wilhelmina Wessel says

    July 03, 2018 at 5:31 pm

    Delicious!!!

    Reply

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