Pomodoro sauce is a really easy, tomato based pasta sauce made with only three simple ingredients. It's incredibly versatile and perfect for those busy weeknights where you want to quickly whip up some dinner but have nothing prepared ahead of time. In just twenty minutes or so, pomodoro sauce can be on the table! This simple recipe uses pantry staples like fresh tomatoes and herbs that will keep well in your kitchen cupboard.

Pomodoro sauce is a great base for all of your favorite pasta dishes and it's perfect as-is over spaghetti or even zoodles (zucchini noodles). You could also top grilled chicken or homemade pizza with pomodoro sauce. Really the options are endless!

Tomatoes are the main ingredient in a pomodoro sauce. Other ingredients include olive oil, garlic, and salt. Tomato sauce is easy to make at home too. You can add other vegetables or herbs like basil if you want to expand on this recipe!

Tomatoes

Pomodoro sauce is best with Roma tomatoes. Other varieties, like San Marzano tomatoes, can be used though. If you use other types, make sure the skin and seeds are removed before cooking!

Olive Oil

The best olive oil to use for pomodoro sauce is a light-tasting variety. Extra virgin and cold pressed are the two best options!

Garlic

The best garlic to use for pomodoro sauce is a fresh, firm head of garlic. Fresh herbs like basil are really nice too!

Salt

The best salt to use for pomodoro sauce is Kosher. Make sure not to add too much though! Adding more than one teaspoon of salt can make the dish very salty and ruin the entire taste.

Pomodoro sauce is a variation of marinara. It's thicker than marinara and served with pasta, meat or fish instead on crusty bread as bruschetta. While there are many variations to pomodoro sauce, some common fresh ingredients include tomatoes (crushed canned tomato), garlic, basil leaves and olive oil along with additional spices such as oregano and red pepper flakes depending upon what type of dish you're preparing. Pomodoro recipes typically call for fresh herbs and vegetables because they are believed to be healthier and bring out the flavor of pomodoro sauce.

Classic Pomodoro Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 28 ounces of crushed whole peeled tomatoes
• Yellow onion (diced)
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped finely
• Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. In a large pot or medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat then add in onion and garlic. Stir for about 3-5 minutes, then pour the crushed tomatoes into the pot or pan.
2. Add salt and pepper to taste, allow this mixture to simmer on low-medium heat for 20 minutes or until desired thickness is achieved.
3. Add chopped fresh basil leaves and stir once more before removing from stovetop.
4. Serve with pasta of choice for pasta al pomodoro!

Tomato sauce can be kept covered in an airtight container up to three weeks in your refrigerator.

You can add parmesan cheese as optional to the sauce once finished cooking.

Some use a food processor or immersion blender to process the tomatoes before cooking.

Spaghetti squash and potato gnocchi are two dishes commonly served with pomodoro sauce.