Home » Dinner Recipes » Easy Tomato Basil Sauce

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce

With fresh ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have this Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce done in no time. Perfect for any pasta!

A Simple Homemade Pasta Sauce Recipe

I enjoy a good store-bought sauce but sometimes it’s nice to make your own when you have the time. This recipe for Tomato Basil Sauce is very simple and it is full of flavorful ingredients and is great for pasta or as a dipping sauce. This is just one of those recipes that you want to have in your back pocket when you are tired of the same old pasta sauce and want something a little more special.

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce over pasta with fork in sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a meat to this pasta sauce?

Yes absolutely! Add cooked ground beef or ground sausage.

What kind of pasta is best to serve with this?

We like any pasta for this recipe really. It works with everything. We used penne for this recipe but you can use spaghetti, linguine, cavatappi, etc.

Do you drain the tomatoes first?

No, you will want to add the diced tomatoes with the liquid since we are not adding any more liquid to this recipe.

What else can I use this pasta sauce for?

You can mix this in to make a cold pasta salad or use it as a dipping sauce for bread sticks, pizza and more.

How do I store leftover pasta sauce?

This can be stored in an airtight container where it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This can also be frozen. Place in a freezer container and it will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, place in refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on stovetop.

Pinterest image of Easy Tomato Basil Sauce over pasta garnished with basil leaves.

Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below For The Full Recipe)

Ingredients needed: salted butter, olive oil, scallions, garlic, parsley, petite diced tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, pepper, basil leaves, and cooked pasta.

How To Make Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and oil to the pan, once the butter is melted add the white part scallions, garlic, and parsley to the pan, let it cook until fragrant, 1 minute, stirring occasionally.

Butter, scallions, garlic and parsley sauteed in pan.

Add the tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, stir everything until combined.

Tomatoes, lemon juice, salt and pepper added to pan.

Bring to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes stirring occasionally.

Sauce stirred together after simmering.

Add the fresh basil and green part scallions, stir to combine. 

Basil and scallions added to pasta sauce.

Take off the heat and serve with pasta of your choice.

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce in pan.

Enjoy!

Close up of Easy Tomato Basil Sauce over pasta.

Craving More Recipes?

Square image of Easy Tomato Basil Sauce over pasta on plate with fork.

Easy Tomato Basil Sauce

With fresh ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have this Easy Homemade Tomato Basil Sauce done in no time. Perfect for any pasta!
3 Reviews
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced, green and white parts separated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (see notes below)
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, not drained
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (not bottled)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 16 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade (cut into strips)

Instructions

  • Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 Tablespoons salted butter and 4 Tablespoons olive oil to the pan, once the butter is melted add the white part of the green onions, 4 cloves garlic, minced and 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian flat leaf parsley to the pan, let it cook until fragrant, 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
    Butter, scallions, garlic and parsley sauteed in pan.
  • Add 2 (28 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes, not drained, 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, stir everything until combined.
    Tomatoes, lemon juice, salt and pepper added to pan.
  • Bring to a simmer and simmer uncovered for 15 minute, stirring occasionally.
  • Add in 16 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade and the green part of the green onions, stir to combine.
    Basil and scallions added to pasta sauce.
  • Take off the heat and serve with pasta of your choice.
    Close up of Easy Tomato Basil Sauce over pasta.

Notes

  • Nutritional value does not include pasta.
  • This can be frozen, see my tips above on how to do that.
  • This is a very simple recipe with simple ingredients so it is really important you use fresh ingredients or it will change the flavor and not turn out as good as expected. Please don’t substitute ingredients if at all possible (unless you might be using your own homemade canned diced tomatoes.)
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 13g | Sodium: 605mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did you make this recipe?Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this sauce to present with potato gnocchi at our church coffee hour.
    I had the most compliments I have received in a long time. It’s great to have our gifts appreciated more than is normal.