Name: Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh or bottled); 2 (28-ounce) cans of Roma tomatoes with juices; 1 Tablespoon onion powder; 1 ½ teaspoon dried basil; 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Fresh chopped basil for serving; Fresh grated parmesan for serving

If you’ve ever dreamed of whipping up a rich, vibrant tomato sauce from scratch but thought it was complicated, this Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe will change your mind forever. Bursting with the fresh flavors of garlic and herbs, and made effortlessly using pantry staples, this sauce is a classic Italian delight that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving that fresh-from-Italy taste in your own kitchen, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a delicious, homemade sauce without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver pan with two handles sits on a white marbled surface. In the first layer, the pan contains a thin shiny layer of oil with small bits of light yellow garlic scattered and gently sizzling. The second layer shows the same pan filled with whole red tomatoes submerged in a thin red tomato liquid that almost covers them, with the tomatoes' skins slightly wrinkled. The third layer builds on this by adding a sprinkle of green dried herbs spread on top of the tomatoes and liquid, creating a contrast in color and texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity, with every ingredient playing a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. Each component is easy to find in most kitchens, yet when combined, they transform into something truly magical.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a fruity, rich base that carries the flavors beautifully.
Garlic (minced): Brings warmth and depth, infusing the sauce with its unmistakable aroma.
Canned Roma Tomatoes (with juices): The star of the show, providing a naturally sweet and robust tomato flavor.
Onion Powder: A subtle sweetness and savory note without overpowering the sauce.
Dried Basil: Brings a classic Italian herbaceousness that complements the tomatoes.
Dried Oregano: Adds a mild bitterness and earthiness to balance the sauce.
Sugar: A touch to neutralize acidity and round out the flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and ties the sauce together.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat for complexity.
Fresh Chopped Basil (for serving): Adds a bright, fresh finish that elevates the final dish.
Fresh Grated Parmesan (for serving): Brings a salty, nutty richness that melts perfectly into the warm pomodoro.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Garlic

Begin by warming the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as it’s glistening and hot, add the minced garlic. The aroma that fills your kitchen as the garlic softens and becomes slightly transparent is already a promise of the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Add the Canned Tomatoes

Next, pour in the canned Roma tomatoes along with their juices. Bring this combination to a gentle boil, but be sure to pick out any extra skins that might still be floating around—this will keep your sauce silky smooth. This bubbling tomato base is where all the flavor starts to develop.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Turn the heat down to low, cover the skillet with a lid that’s slightly vented, and let the sauce simmer for 30 minutes. This slow cook allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken naturally, creating that perfect home-cooked texture.

Step 4: Season and Finish Cooking

Remove the lid and stir in the onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and ground black pepper. Let the sauce cook uncovered for another five minutes to let the seasoning infuse every spoonful. At this point, you can use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother sauce, but even chunky versions are deliciously rustic.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe is now ready! Ladle it over fresh pasta, garnishing with chopped basil and a sprinkle of parmesan, and enjoy a comforting meal made with love and simplicity.

How to Serve Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe

A close-up view of a large silver pot filled with bright red, thick tomato sauce that has a smooth, slightly chunky texture with tiny bubbles on the surface. A silver spoon rests inside the sauce, slightly lifting a portion of the sauce, showing its dense and rich consistency. The pot sits on a soft fabric, with a white marbled texture visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil and freshly grated parmesan are classic garnishes that bring brightness and depth, making each bite pop with authentic Italian flair. The freshness of the basil complements the rich sauce, while parmesan adds a luscious salty finish.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic bread toasted to perfection or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil. These sides balance the hearty, tangy sauce wonderfully, creating a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use this pomodoro sauce as a base for homemade pizza or as a dipping sauce for crispy fried mozzarella sticks. You can also swirl it into creamy polenta or spoon it generously over grilled vegetables to make an easy yet impressive dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pomodoro sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to one week. This makes it perfect for meal prep or a quick flavor boost during busy evenings.

Freezing

If you want to keep your sauce longer, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and it’s ready to reheat and enjoy anytime you crave that fresh tomato taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the sauce’s freshness and texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and add a splash of water if it seems too thick. This way, each spoonful tastes just like the first batch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely! While canned tomatoes provide convenience and consistent flavor, fresh ripe tomatoes can be used when in season. Just blanch, peel, and crush them before cooking for a bright, fresh taste.

Is it okay to skip the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can omit the sugar if you prefer, especially if your canned tomatoes are already sweet. The sugar helps balance acidity, but taste your sauce as it cooks and adjust accordingly.

How long does this sauce take to cook?

The total cooking time is about 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken perfectly without rushing any step.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Certainly! The sauce actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded even more, making it perfect for preparing in advance.

What pasta types go best with this pomodoro sauce?

This sauce shines with classic pastas like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine. It also works beautifully with shapes that catch the sauce, such as rigatoni or penne.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen and heart with warmth. This simple yet flavorful sauce is a testament to how a handful of well-chosen ingredients and a little patience can create something truly special. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s a comforting classic that will quickly become one of your go-to favorites!

Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need