That is the most effective 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 elements (plus salt).

Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter
There’s a cause 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 elements (plus salt) that by some means grow to be magic. I adore it, 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.
Components You’ll Want
Listed below are the elements 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 in the event you use unsalted, you would possibly want so as to add a bit extra salt.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Utilizing high-quality canned tomatoes is crucial. I choose Tuner (inexperienced label) or San Marzano complete 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.
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.


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


Yield: servings
Serving Dimension: 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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Convey to a boil, then simmer over medium-low warmth, coated 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 house on the prime 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 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.
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 pink pepper flakes turns it right into a spicy arrabbiata- model sauce.
- Improve the flavour: The simplicity of the sauce doesn’t require any extra elements, however you’ll be able to add minced garlic initially or stir in contemporary basil earlier than serving, in the event you 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 contemporary tomatoes, however canned San Marzanos or Tuttorosso Inexperienced Label work superbly year-round.
Crushed tomatoes or hand-crushed complete peeled tomatoes give the most effective texture. Search for high-quality manufacturers like San Marzano or Tuttorosso.
You possibly can! 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!





