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 teaspoons dried basil; 1 ½ teaspoons 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 craved a truly classic Italian tomato sauce that’s easy to make yet bursting with fresh, rich flavors, this Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe is going to become your new kitchen staple. Made with pantry-friendly ingredients and a handful of spices, this sauce perfectly balances the juicy sweetness of canned Roma tomatoes and the fragrant warmth of garlic, turning simple staples into a comforting, delicious base for any pasta dish. It’s comfort food made effortless and vibrant in every spoonful.

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

To bring this Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe to life, you only need a handful of ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building the deep, layered flavors and that perfect silky texture you want from a tomato sauce.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A rich, fruity base that perfectly sautés the garlic and enriches the entire sauce with subtle Mediterranean warmth.
Garlic (minced): The star aromatic that infuses the sauce with its unmistakable fragrant kick, fresh or bottled works great.
Roma Tomatoes (canned with juices): High-quality canned tomatoes provide natural sweetness and body, creating that smooth tomato foundation every Pomodoro sauce needs.
Onion Powder: Adds gentle savory depth without overpowering the vibrant tomato flavor.
Dried Basil: Brings in that classic Italian herbaceous note, enhancing the freshness even in its dried form.
Dried Oregano: Complements basil with slightly earthy, piney undertones for a balanced flavor profile.
Sugar: Just a touch to tame the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavors beautifully.
Salt: Crucial for seasoning, it helps every other flavor shine through naturally.
Ground Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth that wakes up the sauce.
Fresh Chopped Basil: Optional, but a wonderful fresh garnish to brighten the dish when serving.
Fresh Grated Parmesan: Another optional topping that brings a savory, nutty finish anyone will adore on top.

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: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

Start by heating your extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or saucepan. As soon as it’s hot, add the minced garlic. Cook it gently until it’s fragrant and just starting to turn translucent. This step releases the garlic’s beautiful aroma and flavors, forming the savory heart of your sauce.

Step 2: Add Canned Tomatoes and Simmer

Pour in your canned Roma tomatoes with all their juices. Once in the pan, bring the mixture to a low boil. While it’s heating, carefully remove any extra tomato skins that float to the surface or stick to the tomatoes—this keeps your sauce silky smooth. Reducing the heat, cover with a slightly vented lid and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This slow simmer transforms the tomatoes, concentrating their natural sweetness and color.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Uncover the pot and stir in onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings balance the acidity and amplify the sauce’s classic Italian flavor. Let it cook uncovered for another five minutes to let the spices mingle and thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 4: Blend to Perfection (Optional)

If you like your pomodoro sauce perfectly smooth, this is the moment to use an immersion blender. Carefully blend the sauce to your preferred consistency—either silky smooth or with some chunky texture left in. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to make it just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe is ready to bring that authentic Italian magic to your plate. Toss it with fresh pasta, spread it over grilled veggies, or use it as a base for your favorite dishes.

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

Adding fresh chopped basil on top isn’t just beautiful—it adds a burst of fresh herbal aroma that brightens every bite. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with the bright tomato flavors. Don’t be shy—these little additions take your presentation and taste to the next level.

Side Dishes

This sauce shines with any pasta you love, from delicate angel hair to hearty rigatoni. It also complements a crisp side salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not use this sauce as a base for homemade pizza crusts? Spread a thin layer, top with mozzarella and your favorite toppings, then bake to melty perfection. Or turn it into a baked dish by layering it in lasagna with ricotta and noodles. Each way celebrates the fresh, vibrant essence of the sauce in a new, exciting way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, stored in an airtight container. This makes it ideal for meal prepping—just heat and serve whenever you want a quick taste of Italy.

Freezing

If you want longer storage, freeze the sauce in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well and can be thawed overnight in the fridge, giving you a ready-made sauce for busy nights that still tastes fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it back up. Avoid microwaving if possible for best texture and flavor, but for convenience, short bursts with stirring work too.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Pomodoro sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can be used, especially when in season. Just blanch, peel, and crush them before cooking. However, canned Roma tomatoes offer consistent quality and sweetness year-round, making the Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe super convenient and reliable.

Do I need to peel the canned tomatoes?

It’s not required, but removing any loose skins improves the sauce’s texture. You can spot and fish out extra skins after adding the canned tomatoes to your skillet as they float to the surface during simmering.

Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes! Fresh basil and oregano can be used but add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their bright flavors. Dried herbs provide concentrated flavor and hold up well through longer cooking times in this Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe.

What pasta types work best with Pomodoro sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any pasta shape. Thin pastas like spaghetti or linguine highlight its light texture, while chunkier shapes like penne and rigatoni catch every bit of sauce, giving you maximum flavor in every bite.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

For a spicy twist on this easy homemade classic, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic or toss some fresh chili slices in with the simmering sauce. Just be sure to adjust the heat to your liking to keep the balance just right.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe is proof that the best dishes don’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that tastes fresh, comforting, and full of love. Give it a try and watch how something so effortlessly delicious can elevate your weeknight meals into a little flavorful celebration.

Easy Homemade Pomodoro Sauce with Canned Tomatoes and Garlic Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need