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A classic Italian small batch pomodoro sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for pasta and pizza.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in About 20 Minutes: This homemade pomodoro sauce comes together quickly.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Made with canned tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and dried herbs you likely already have on hand.
- Classic Italian Flavor: Garlic, tomatoes, and herbs create a rich, well-balanced sauce.
- Versatile Uses: Serve over pasta, spoon onto pizza, or use as a base for chicken, meatballs, or baked dishes.
- Reliable Year-Round: Canned tomatoes deliver consistent flavor any time of year.
This small batch pomodoro sauce is one I come back to again and again. It reminds me why Italian cooking works so well. A few good ingredients, treated simply, create a sauce that tastes fresh, balanced, and full of tomato flavor.
I love how the garlic gently perfumes the sauce without overpowering it, and how simmering the tomatoes brings everything together into a smooth, vibrant Italian tomato sauce that feels both familiar and timeless.
Enjoy this pomodoro sauce over buttered noodles or a single serving of gnocchi, served with chicken Parmesan for one, or used as a rich pizza sauce on a personal-sized pizza. It also works well layered into baked pasta dishes like single serving baked ziti or lasagna for one, served with a baked chicken breast, or used as a simple dip for homemade French bread.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch pomodoro sauce recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Canned Tomatoes: Use a 14.5- to 15-ounce can of high-quality tomatoes for your pomodoro sauce. Whole peeled tomatoes break down into a smoother, richer sauce as they cook. Crushed or diced work too if that’s what you have on hand. Use leftover tomatoes in shrimp creole for one, penne alla vodka for one, single serving caponata, or small batch tomato soup.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and a smooth sauce base. If you prefer a lighter olive oil, that works as well.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant, classic Italian flavor that builds depth in the sauce.
- Seasonings: Season with dried basil, salt, and black pepper to complement the tomato base and round out the flavor.
- Honey: Add a small amount of honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. It doesn’t make the sauce sweet but helps create a fuller, more balanced taste.
Recipe Variations
This homemade pomodoro sauce is easy to customize with a few simple additions, making it work for pasta, pizza, and more.
- Spicy Pomodoro Sauce: Add red pepper flakes or a small pinch of crushed chili peppers to bring gentle heat to the sauce.
- Creamy Pomodoro Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a smooth, rich tomato sauce.
- Fresh Herb Pomodoro: Finish the sauce with fresh basil or oregano just before serving. Fresh herbs enhance the tomato flavor and add a lighter, more traditional Italian touch.
- Vegetable Pomodoro Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to make the sauce more filling.
- Pomodoro Sauce for Pizza: Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer until slightly thicker, then use it as a pizza sauce. The concentrated tomato flavor works well on homemade pizza and a pizza bowl.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Pomodoro Sauce
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Blend the tomatoes and their juices until mostly smooth with a slightly coarse texture.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook just until lightly golden.
- Carefully pour in the blended tomatoes. Season with dried basil and salt, then stir in the honey to balance the acidity.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Serve over cooked pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine.
Expert Tips
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Watch the Garlic: Cook the garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes or Muir Glen brand tomatoes, make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Blend to Your Preference: Blend briefly for a rustic sauce or longer for a smoother pomodoro.
- Season at the End: Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust the salt if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pomodoro sauce is similar to marinara but usually simpler and slightly thicker, with a stronger tomato-forward flavor.
Store pomodoro sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 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.
More Small Batch Pasta Sauce Recipes
If you enjoy this pomodoro sauce, you may also like these other single serving sauce recipes:
If you’ve tried this quick 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!
Get a Quick Recipe Overview
Small Batch Pomodoro Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can whole tomatoes or use canned 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 (add more to taste)
Instructions
- Blend the tomatoes and their juices until mostly smooth with a slightly coarse texture.Note: If using canned crushed tomatoes, skip this step since they are already the right consistency.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden, about 30 seconds.
- Carefully add the blended tomatoes to the pan. Season with dried basil and salt.
- Stir in the honey to balance the tomato acidity.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust the salt or honey as needed.
Notes
- Simmer for Flavor: Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Watch the Garlic: Cook the garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden to avoid bitterness.
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: High-quality canned tomatoes, such as San Marzano tomatoes or Muir Glen brand tomatoes, make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Blend to Your Preference: Blend briefly for a rustic sauce or longer for a smoother pomodoro.
- Season at the End: Taste the sauce after simmering and adjust the salt if needed.
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!!!