Sunday, November 9, 2025

Tomato Sauce (Marcella Hazan-Impressed) – Skinnytaste

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That is the most effective tomato sauce, in my humble opinion! Impressed by Marcella Hazan’s iconic recipe, this lighter model makes use of high-quality canned tomatoes, only a contact of butter, and a halved onion to create a wealthy, silky pasta sauce with solely three substances (plus salt).

Lightened Marcella Hazan-inspired tomato sauce simmering in a pot with a halved onion

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter

There’s a purpose Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce went viral lengthy earlier than viral recipes had been even a factor. With simply tomatoes, an onion, and butter, it transforms right into a velvety, wealthy sauce that adheres completely to pasta. No garlic, no olive oil, no sugar—simply three substances (plus salt) that one way or the other turn out to be magic. I find it irresistible, however I normally make a barely lighter model with high-quality canned tomatoes and fewer butter. It nonetheless has that candy, buttery depth, nevertheless it’s a bit lighter—and prepared in much less time.

Why This Recipe Works

Gina @ Skinnytaste.com

Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce is known. In her first version of The Basic Italian Cookbook (1973), she referred to as for 2 kilos of recent tomatoes, one stick of butter, and one onion. I like that recipe, however by way of the years, I’ve been testing it with much less butter, so it’s a bit lighter for weeknights with out shedding that wealthy, buttery depth of taste. I’ve discovered that two tablespoons of butter nonetheless work nice.

  • Minimal substances, most taste: Three substances plus salt maintain it pure and balanced.
  • Much less butter, identical magic: Decreasing the butter makes it lighter however nonetheless velvety.
  • Canned high-quality tomatoes for consistency: Simple, inexpensive, and constant year-round.
  • Dietary Restrictions: Weight Watchers-friendly, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

For extra tomato sauce recipes you may additionally like my marinara sauce recipe, and my bolognese sauce.

Gina signature

Elements You’ll Want

Listed here are the substances you’ll have to make this simple Marcella Hazan tomato sauce. See the recipe card under for the precise measurements.

Ingredients for tomato sauce including canned tomatoes, butter, and onion on a white surface

  • Butter: Simply two tablespoons of butter create a wealthy, scrumptious sauce. I used salted butter, however for those who use unsalted, you may want so as to add a bit extra salt.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: Utilizing high-quality canned tomatoes is crucial. I favor Tuttorosso (inexperienced label) or San Marzano entire tomatoes, which I crush by hand.
  • Onion: Peel it and lower it in half. No dicing wanted!
  • Salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.

Tips on how to Make Tomato Sauce

This tomato sauce with onion and butter is hands-off and easy. See the recipe card on the backside for printable instructions.

  1. Put all the things in a pot, carry it to a boil, then simmer it over medium-low till the onions are comfortable.
  2. Tips on how to Serve: Take away the onions, style, and add extra salt if wanted. Then, toss the sauce along with your most well-liked pasta.

Prep: 5 minutes

Cook dinner: 35 minutes

Whole: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Dimension: 1 /2 cup

  • In a medium pot, mix the crushed tomatoes, butter and the onion, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt over medium warmth.

  • Carry to a boil, then simmer over medium-low warmth, lined till the onions are comfortable, about 30 to 40 minutes.

  • Discard the onion (or puree it with tomatoes and add again to the sauce) earlier than tossing the sauce with pasta. This recipe makes sufficient sauce for 1 pound of pasta.

Final Step:

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Tips on how to Freeze Tomato Sauce This sauce freezes superbly, so it’s price doubling the batch to have some readily available for busy nights.

  • To freeze: Let the tomato sauce cool utterly at room temperature. Switch it to hermetic containers, glass jars (go away area on the high for enlargement), or freezer-safe zip-top baggage laid flat for simple stacking. Label with the date and freeze for as much as 3 months.
  • To thaw and reheat: In a single day within the fridge: Place frozen sauce within the fridge the night time earlier than you propose to make use of it. Fast technique: Submerge the sealed bag in a bowl of cool water to hurry up defrosting.
  • To reheat: Heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low warmth, stirring sometimes, till heated by way of.

Serving: 1 /2 cup, Energy: 74 kcal, Carbohydrates: 10.5 g, Protein: 2.5 g, Fats: 4 g, Saturated Fats: 2.5 g, Ldl cholesterol: 10 mg, Sodium: 330 mg, Fiber: 2.5 g, Sugar: 5 g

Suggestions & Variations

  • Dairy-free possibility: Swap butter with dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly sauce.
  • Add spice: A pinch of purple pepper flakes turns it right into a spicy arrabbiata- model sauce.
  • Improve the flavour: The simplicity of the sauce doesn’t require any extra substances, however you’ll be able to add minced garlic firstly or stir in recent basil earlier than serving, for those who need.
  • Make forward: Refrigerate for as much as 5 days or freeze for 3 months.

FAQ

Can I take advantage of recent tomatoes as an alternative of canned?

Completely—simply peel and chop about 2 kilos of ripe plum tomatoes. The unique 1973 recipe makes use of recent tomatoes, however canned San Marzanos or Tuttorosso Inexperienced Label work superbly year-round.

What sort of canned tomatoes ought to I take advantage of?

Crushed tomatoes or hand-crushed entire peeled tomatoes give the most effective texture. Search for high-quality manufacturers like San Marzano or Tuttorosso.

Do I’ve to discard the onion?

You possibly can! However I typically puree it into the sauce for further physique and sweetness—your name.

Pasta tossed with light tomato sauce and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese

Extra Pasta Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

For extra dinner concepts utilizing tomatoes, take a look at these 5 scrumptious pasta sauce recipes to encourage your subsequent meal!

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