20 Delicious Quick Tomato Sauce Recipes for Busy Cooks

Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for speed in the kitchen? Look no further! As a busy cook, you know that whipping up a delicious meal can be a challenge, but with these 20 quick tomato sauce recipes, you’ll never have to compromise on taste again. From classic combinations like Spicy Garlic Quick Tomato Sauce and Creamy Basil Quick Tomato Sauce, to more adventurous options like Roasted Red Pepper Quick Tomato Sauce and Puttanesca-Style Quick Tomato Sauce, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or subtle nuances, our collection of quick tomato sauces has something for everyone. So go ahead, take a look at these mouthwatering recipes, and get ready to elevate your meal prep game!

Spicy Garlic Quick Tomato Sauce

Spicy Garlic Quick Tomato Sauce
A flavorful and spicy twist on traditional tomato sauce, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Creamy Basil Quick Tomato Sauce

Creamy Basil Quick Tomato Sauce
This recipe yields a rich and flavorful tomato sauce with a hint of creamy basil goodness, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll have a delicious sauce ready in no time!

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, cored and chopped (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and chopped basil leaves. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot over pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Roasted Red Pepper Quick Tomato Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Quick Tomato Sauce
Roasted Red Pepper Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe

Summary:
This simple recipe yields a flavorful tomato sauce with a smoky twist, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 2 large red bell peppers
– 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the red bell peppers in a baking dish for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool. Peel off the skin, discarding it, and chop the flesh into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes, roasted red pepper, crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Olives and Capers

Quick Tomato Sauce with Olives and Capers
This classic Italian-inspired tomato sauce gets a boost from the salty, savory flavors of olives and capers. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add tomatoes, olives, and capers. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Smoky Chipotle Quick Tomato Sauce

Smoky Chipotle Quick Tomato Sauce
Add a smoky twist to your pasta dishes with this quick and flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this recipe is ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, chipotle pepper, tomato paste, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Fresh Herbs

Quick Tomato Sauce with Fresh Herbs
This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh tomatoes with the brightness of herbs, creating a delicious and easy-to-make tomato sauce. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer the sauce for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Caramelized Onion Quick Tomato Sauce

Caramelized Onion Quick Tomato Sauce
Caramelized Onion Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe

Summary: This recipe combines sweet caramelized onions with a tangy and rich tomato sauce, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown and caramelized.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Stir well to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If desired, add the balsamic vinegar and stir well to combine.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms and Wine

Quick Tomato Sauce with Mushrooms and Wine
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the earthiness of mushrooms and a hint of wine, creating a rich and savory sauce perfect for pasta, meatballs, or as a dipping option.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup dry white wine
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, white wine, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Sun-Dried Tomato Quick Tomato Sauce

Sun-Dried Tomato Quick Tomato Sauce
Enhance your pasta dishes with a burst of sun-kissed flavor using this easy and rapid tomato sauce recipe, packed with the intense taste of sun-dried tomatoes.

Ingredients:
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried basil. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Anchovies and Chili

Quick Tomato Sauce with Anchovies and Chili
This simple yet flavorful tomato sauce is elevated by the salty umami of anchovies and a kick of heat from chili flakes. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes), chopped
– 3-4 anchovy fillets, rinsed and finely minced
– 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, anchovy fillets, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes

Balsamic Glazed Quick Tomato Sauce

Balsamic Glazed Quick Tomato Sauce
Add a touch of elegance to your pasta dishes with this simple and flavorful Balsamic Glazed Quick Tomato Sauce recipe.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in the balsamic glaze, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

This Balsamic Glazed Quick Tomato Sauce is perfect for topping pasta, pizza, or using as a dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Quick Tomato Sauce with Ricotta and Lemon Zest

Quick Tomato Sauce with Ricotta and Lemon Zest
Elevate your pasta dishes with this creamy and tangy tomato sauce infused with the brightness of lemon zest and the richness of ricotta. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, ricotta cheese, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with lemon zest if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Puttanesca-Style Quick Tomato Sauce

Puttanesca-Style Quick Tomato Sauce
This Italian-inspired tomato sauce is a flavorful and speedy twist on the classic Puttanesca sauce, typically made with olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes), cored and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pitted green olives, sliced
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 anchovy fillets (drained and chopped), for added depth

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Sausage and Fennel

Quick Tomato Sauce with Sausage and Fennel
In just a few minutes, you can create a flavorful sauce to accompany your favorite sausage dishes. This recipe combines the sweetness of tomatoes, the savory flavor of sausage, and the anise-like taste of fennel for a delicious and easy-to-make condiment.

Ingredients:

– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups fresh or canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 large bulb of fennel, sliced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
2. Remove the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sliced fennel, and dried oregano.
6. Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Vegan Coconut Milk Quick Tomato Sauce

Vegan Coconut Milk Quick Tomato Sauce
A creamy and flavorful vegan tomato sauce made with coconut milk, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, and dried oregano.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Roasted Garlic and Thyme

Quick Tomato Sauce with Roasted Garlic and Thyme
This rich and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip for vegetables. With the added depth of roasted garlic and thyme, it’s sure to elevate any dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 3-4 cloves of garlic
– 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the top off a whole head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil.
3. Roast the garlic for 30-40 minutes, or until soft and mashed.
4. In a large saucepan, combine the roasted garlic, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and let cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot over pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Artichokes and Spinach

Quick Tomato Sauce with Artichokes and Spinach
This vibrant and flavorful sauce is a perfect accompaniment to pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce for bread. With artichoke hearts adding a salty depth and spinach providing a nutritious boost, this quick tomato sauce is a delicious and healthy option.

Ingredients:

– 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, artichoke hearts, spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot over pasta, pizza, or with crusty bread.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes

Harissa-Spiced Quick Tomato Sauce

Harissa-Spiced Quick Tomato Sauce
This flavorful sauce combines the warmth of harissa chili paste with the brightness of fresh tomatoes, perfect for a quick and delicious pasta dish.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp harissa chili paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to release their juices.
4. Stir in the harissa chili paste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.

Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes

Quick Tomato Sauce with Pancetta and Rosemary

Quick Tomato Sauce with Pancetta and Rosemary
Quick Tomato Sauce with Pancetta and Rosemary Recipe

Summary: This recipe yields a flavorful and aromatic tomato sauce in just minutes, perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. A combination of pancetta, rosemary, and fresh tomatoes creates a rich and herby flavor profile.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon pancetta, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh tomatoes (or 1 can crushed tomatoes)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the tomatoes, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot with pasta, pizza, or as a dipping sauce. Optional: sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.

Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes

Sweet and Tangy Quick Tomato Sauce

Sweet and Tangy Quick Tomato Sauce
Sweet and Tangy Quick Tomato Sauce Recipe

This sweet and tangy tomato sauce recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously flavorful sauce in no time.

Ingredients:

– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Get ready to elevate your pasta nights with these 20 quick and delicious tomato sauce recipes! From spicy garlic to creamy basil, and from roasted red peppers to caramelized onions, there’s something for every taste. Perfect for busy cooks, these sauces are ready in no time – 15 minutes or less! Discover new flavors and combinations that will take your meals to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of classic tomato sauce or looking to try something new, this collection has got you covered.

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