That is one of the best tomato saucein 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).

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter
There’s a cause Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce went viral lengthy earlier than viral recipes have 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 someway grow to be magic. I adore it, however I often make a barely lighter model with high-quality canned tomatoes and fewer butter. It nonetheless has that candy, buttery depth, but it surely’s somewhat lighter—and prepared in much less time.
Components You’ll Want
Listed below are the substances you’ll must make this straightforward Marcella Hazan tomato sauce. See the recipe card beneath for the precise measurements.

- 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 somewhat extra salt.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Utilizing high-quality canned tomatoes is crucial. I want Tuttorosso (inexperienced label) or San Marzano entire tomatoes, which I crush by hand.
- Onion: Peel it and reduce it in half. No dicing wanted!
- Salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
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.


- Put every little thing in a pot, convey it to a boil, then simmer it over medium-low till the onions are gentle.
- Serve: Take away the onions, style, and add extra salt if wanted. Then, toss the sauce along with your most well-liked pasta.



Yield: servings
Serving Measurement: 1 /2 cup
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In a medium pot, mix the crushed tomatoes, butter and the onion, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt over medium warmth.
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Deliver to a boil, then simmer over medium-low warmth, coated till the onions are gentle, about 30 to 40 minutes.
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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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- To freeze: Let the tomato sauce cool fully at room temperature. Switch it to hermetic containers, glass jars (depart area on the high for growth), or freezer-safe zip-top luggage 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 evening earlier than you propose to make use of it. Fast methodology: 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 means 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 choice: Swap butter with dairy-free butter for a vegan-friendly sauce.
- Add spice: A pinch of crimson pepper flakes turns it right into a spicy arrabbiata- fashion sauce.
- Improve the flavour: The simplicity of the sauce doesn’t require any further substances, however you’ll be able to add minced garlic initially or stir in recent basil earlier than serving, for those who want.
- Make forward: Refrigerate for as much as 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
FAQ
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 fantastically year-round.
Crushed tomatoes or hand-crushed entire peeled tomatoes give one of the best texture. Search for high-quality manufacturers like San Marzano or Tuttorosso.
You may! However I usually puree it into the sauce for additional physique and sweetness—your name.

Extra Pasta Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
For extra dinner concepts utilizing tomatoes, try these 5 scrumptious pasta sauce recipes to encourage your subsequent meal!





