Saturday, March 7, 2026

Tomato Sauce (Marcella Hazan-Impressed) – Skinnytaste

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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).

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

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.

Why This Recipe Works

Gina @ Skinnytaste.com

Marcella Hazan’s tomato sauce is famous. In her first version of The Traditional Italian Cookbook (1973), she known as for 2 kilos of recent tomatoes, one stick of butter, and one onion. I like that recipe, however by means of the years, I’ve been testing it with much less butter, so it’s somewhat 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 hold it pure and balanced.
  • Much less butter, identical magic: Lowering the butter makes it lighter however nonetheless velvety.
  • Canned high-quality tomatoes for consistency: Simple, reasonably priced, 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

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.

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 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.

  1. Put every little thing in a pot, convey it to a boil, then simmer it over medium-low till the onions are gentle.
  2. 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

Complete: 40 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Serving Measurement: 1 /2 cup

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

  • Deliver to a boil, then simmer over medium-low warmth, coated till the onions are gentle, 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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Freeze Tomato Sauce This sauce freezes fantastically, so it’s value doubling the batch to have some readily available for busy nights.

  • 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

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 fantastically year-round.

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

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

Do I’ve to discard the onion?

You may! However I usually puree it into the sauce for additional 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, try these 5 scrumptious pasta sauce recipes to encourage your subsequent meal!

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