This easy and rich tomato pasta sauce is a flavorful, homemade alternative to store-bought jars. Made with fresh garlic, onion, herbs, and a hint of cinnamon for depth, it’s the perfect base for your favorite pasta dishes. Whether you use it for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce, this recipe delivers warmth, richness, and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce is simple to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. The slow-cooked onion and garlic create a sweet, aromatic base, while oregano, basil, and chili flakes add depth and complexity. The touch of cinnamon sets it apart, giving a subtle warmth without overpowering the tomato flavor. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want a homemade sauce that feels restaurant-worthy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
45 ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
1 red onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons garlic granules
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons tomato puree
250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, made from a stock cube
800 ml (18 oz) chopped tomatoes (2 x 400 ml tins)
Directions
Prepare the base: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook on low for about 10 minutes until softened.
Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 5 more minutes until fragrant. Season lightly with sea salt.
Incorporate herbs and spices: Add garlic granules, oregano, basil, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir well and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Add tomato puree: Mix in tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Add vegetable stock: Pour in the stock, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
Add tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes, stir, and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until thickened.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust spices, herbs, or salt as desired. Add an extra pinch of cinnamon for warmth if preferred.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4–6 servings of pasta sauce.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add fresh basil leaves at the end for a burst of freshness.
Add chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Blend the sauce for a smooth consistency or leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
Stir in cream or mascarpone for a creamy tomato sauce variation.
Storage/Reheating
This sauce stores beautifully. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, substitute with 8–10 ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped. Cook longer to reduce excess liquid.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered longer until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I make this sauce spicy?
Yes, increase the chili flakes or add fresh chopped chili for extra heat.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
It works with any pasta, but spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce especially well.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely, it scales well and freezes beautifully.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
Use an immersion blender to puree it directly in the pot or transfer to a blender.
Can I use chicken stock instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, chicken stock works well if you don’t need the sauce to be vegetarian.
What can I use instead of cinnamon?
A pinch of nutmeg gives a similar warmth without being as pronounced.
How long should I simmer the sauce?
At least 10 minutes, but for deeper flavor, you can simmer up to 30–40 minutes on low.
Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes, reduce the sauce slightly longer so it’s thicker and spreadable.
Conclusion
This easy and rich tomato pasta sauce is a versatile, homemade staple that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. With its aromatic garlic-onion base, warm spices, and perfectly balanced herbs, it’s the ideal partner for pasta, pizza, and beyond. Make a batch today and enjoy a comforting, hearty sauce that elevates any meal.
This easy and rich tomato pasta sauce is a homemade classic made with onion, garlic, herbs, and a hint of cinnamon for depth. Perfect for spaghetti, lasagna, or as a pizza base, this versatile sauce is comforting, flavorful, and budget-friendly, making it a must-have recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
45 ml (3 tablespoons) olive oil
1 red onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 teaspoons garlic granules
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
2 tablespoons tomato puree
250 ml (1 cup) vegetable stock, made from a stock cube
800 ml (18 oz) chopped tomatoes (2 x 400 ml tins)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook on low for about 10 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 5 more minutes until fragrant. Season lightly with sea salt.
Add garlic granules, oregano, basil, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes.
Mix in tomato puree and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.
Add chopped tomatoes, stir, and let simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until thickened.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add an extra pinch of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Add fresh basil leaves at the end for freshness.
Add carrots, celery, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Blend for a smooth consistency or keep chunky for rustic style.
Stir in cream or mascarpone for a creamy variation.
