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 components (plus salt).

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter
There’s a motive 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 components (plus salt) that by some means turn into 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 slightly lighter—and prepared in much less time.
Substances You’ll Want
Listed here are the components you’ll must make this straightforward Marcella Hazan tomato sauce. See the recipe card under 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 slightly extra salt.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Utilizing high-quality canned tomatoes is important. I favor Tuttorosso (inexperienced label) or San Marzano entire tomatoes, which I crush by hand.
- Onion: Peel it and minimize it in half. No dicing wanted!
- Salt brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
How one can 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 part in a pot, convey it to a boil, then simmer it over medium-low till the onions are tender.
- How one can 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, lined till the onions are tender, 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 utterly at room temperature. Switch it to hermetic containers, glass jars (go away area on the high for growth), or freezer-safe zip-top luggage laid flat for straightforward 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 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
Ideas & Variations
- Dairy-free choice: 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- type sauce.
- Improve the flavour: The simplicity of the sauce doesn’t require any further components, however you may add minced garlic originally 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 superbly year-round.
Crushed tomatoes or hand-crushed entire peeled tomatoes give the most effective texture. Search for high-quality manufacturers like San Marzano or Tuttorosso.
You’ll be able to! 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!