SPAGHETTI SAUCE: HOW TO MAKE THE CLASSIC & EASY ITALIAN SAUCE
This timeless recipe, Sugo al Pomodoro, captures the heart of Italian cuisine.
Made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, sweet onion, and fragrant basil, this sauce is a Mediterranean masterpiece. Paired with spaghetti, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Italian Flavor: Simple, fresh ingredients make this sauce shine.
- Versatile: Perfect with spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4-5 large ripe tomatoes (preferably Roma)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Several fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to reduce tomato acidity)
Method
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Remove the skin by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then cooling under running water. Peel the skin, halve the tomatoes, and remove the seeds. Coarsely chop the pulp.
Prepare the Sauté:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
Cook the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. If desired, add tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
- Stir well, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed to balance acidity).
Add Basil:
- Near the end of cooking, add torn basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Cook Spaghetti and Toss with Sauce:
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and add the spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes or canned San Marzano tomatoes when fresh are unavailable.
- Balance the Acidity: Add a small amount of sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
- Fresh Basil: Always use fresh basil for the most authentic flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This Spaghetti al Pomodoro celebrates the beauty of simple ingredients and authentic flavors. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but feels like a special treat every time. Buon appetito!

Spaghetti Sauce: How To Make The Classic & Easy Italian Sauce
Ingredients
- 4-5 large ripe tomatoes preferably Roma
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Several fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to reduce tomato acidity
Instructions
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Remove the skin by blanching the tomatoes in boiling water for 1 minute, then cooling under running water. Peel the skin, halve the tomatoes, and remove the seeds. Coarsely chop the pulp.
Prepare the Sauté:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
Cook the Sauce:
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. If desired, add tomato paste for a thicker sauce.
- Stir well, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat to simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt, pepper, and sugar (if needed to balance acidity).
Add Basil:
- Near the end of cooking, add torn basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic flavor.
Cook Spaghetti and Toss with Sauce:
- Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- Drain and add the spaghetti directly to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a finishing touch.








