This incredibly simple Italian pasta sauce requires only three ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave a taste of Italy without the fuss.
The key to this sauce is using quality canned tomatoes. During the summer, fresh tomatoes are ideal, but in the colder months, canned tomatoes are often a better choice for their consistent flavor. Look for canned San Marzano tomatoes or San Marzano-style tomatoes for their sweetness and low acidity. If these are unavailable, any brand of whole peeled tomatoes will work beautifully.
The second ingredient might surprise you: butter. While olive oil is a staple in Italian cooking, butter adds a creaminess and subtle sweetness to this particular sauce, thanks to its natural emulsifiers.
The final ingredient is a slowly cooked onion. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the butter and the acidity of the tomatoes.
The preparation is straightforward. Crush the canned tomatoes by hand or using a colander, food mill, or blender. Chop the onion into quarters, discarding the outer skin. Finally, measure out five tablespoons of butter.
In a large skillet, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, and butter. A skillet is ideal because its shallow, wide shape promotes evaporation, allowing the sauce to thicken quickly. Add a small pinch of salt and simmer over medium-low heat for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking.
Once the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust the salt as needed. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and used in a variety of pasta dishes or other recipes requiring tomato sauce.
To serve the sauce with pasta, cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. While the pasta cooks, chop some fresh basil and grate some Parmesan cheese.
Add the sauce to a pan, along with a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Stir in the fresh basil and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
