Roasted Tomato Sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 10 1/2 cup servings

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Roasted Tomato Sauce is so easy to make with all natural, fresh ingredients! Tomatoes, garlic and onions are oven roasted to perfection before being blended with fresh basil, tomato paste and some simple seasonings. This is the ultimate homemade pasta sauce for summer!

Enjoy more of the very best tomato pasta recipes like Sun Dried Tomato Pasta, Tomato Basil Pasta and Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta.

glass jar filled with roasted tomato sauce and basil beside.

Meet your new favorite pasta sauce! Roasted Tomato Sauce is exactly as flavorful as it sounds 😉

When you roast tomatoes, you really bring out the rich, mouthwatering flavors of the fruit. Also, yes – tomatoes are a fruit, not a veggie.

Onions and garlic are roasted alongside the tomatoes to tender perfection, then they’re all tossed into a blender with some other delicious additions like tomato paste and fresh basil.

This homemade tomato sauce recipe is a go-to of mine, especially during the summer when I really crave the taste of fresh tomatoes!

a bowl of pasta with roasted tomato sauce and a fork beside.

Why we love this Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe:

  • Budget Friendly: Tomatoes, an onion, fresh garlic, tomato paste, basil, a drizzle of olive oil and just a little salt and pepper. That’s all you need to make this homemade sauce!
  • Easy: Roast, blend, enjoy! That’s how simple this pasta sauce recipe is to make from scratch.
  • Flavorful: Roasting the tomatoes and onions really brings out the most incredible flavors. This sauce is anything but bland.
  • Natural: You won’t find any unnecessary ingredients here. The key is to bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes with just a few other fresh ingredients.
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Roasted Tomato Sauce Ingredients Needed:

ingredients needed roasted tomato sauce in bowls.
  • Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are my favorite because they’re super flavorful and not quite as watery as some other tomatoes.
  • Fresh Basil: You can sub fresh basil for a teaspoon of dried basil or even basil pesto.
  • Tomato Paste: This helps to develop the rich tomato flavor even more, and it also does wonders for the consistency.
  • Olive Oil: Avocado oil also works well if preferred.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best, and you can add them minced or whole. As always, feel free to measure with your heart!
  • Onion: A yellow or white onion will both get the job done.
  • Salt & Pepper: Add more or less to taste.

How to make Roasted Tomato Sauce:

Take a sneak peak at how easy this tomato sauce recipe really is! For more in depth notes about ingredient measurements and step by step instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  • Halve the tomatoes and place them cut side up with the onions and garlic on a prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
  • Roast at 400°F for 40-50 minutes.
  • Add everything to a blender and toss in the basil, tomato paste, and sugar. Puree until completely smooth and adjust seasonings to taste.

Recipe Tip

For a richer, creamier flavor, add some heavy cream and/or parmesan to the blender as well!

Tomato Sauce Variations and Substitutions

  • Vegetables: You can add other veggies to the baking sheet! Carrots and celery would both roast well and blend with the other ingredients. This would be a great way to sneak some nutrients onto a picky eater’s plate!
  • Herbs: Basil is my favorite choice. Other fresh herbs also work well, like dill, parsley, oregano or thyme (pull it off the stem).
  • Make it spicy: Cayenne or red pepper flakes can be added to the blender for a touch of spice. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
  • Cream: Just a splash of heavy cream or evaporated milk can take this simple, fresh sauce to a decadent creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan adds a nice salty and cheesy flavor. Feel free to toss some in if you have it on hand!

How to store Roasted Tomato Sauce

Store your roast tomato sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for about 1 week. The best way to reheat it is by mixing it with hot freshly cooked pasta!

Can I freeze Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Sure thing! Just let it fully cool to room temperature first, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it first thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

a spoon scooping roasted tomato sauce out of glass jar.

Serving suggestions:

Serve this homemade tomato sauce recipe with your favorite pasta! Spaghetti is usually my go-to, but really any pasta works well here.

Add a protein to your plate like our Favorite Homemade Meatballs or this easy Baked Chicken Breast. Air Fryer Chicken Thighs are another classic that pair well with just about everything!

You can also freshen up your plate even more with Cheesy Baked Asparagus or my kids’ favorite Easy Broccoli Salad.

Don’t forget the Homemade Breadsticks or Cheesy Garlic Bread!

More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!

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Roasted Tomato Sauce recipe

5 from 2 votes
Roasted Tomato Sauce is so easy to make with all natural, fresh ingredients! Tomatoes, garlic and onions are oven roasted to perfection before being blended with fresh basil, tomato paste and some simple seasonings. This is the ultimate summer pasta sauce!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Servings 10 ½ cup servings
Calories 58cal

Ingredients

  • 3 lb Roma tomatoes (about 9 large)
  • 1 small onion (cut into ½ inch chunks)
  • 4-6 cloves or 1 tablespoon minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Halve tomatoes and place cut side up with the onion and garlic on a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir to coat well.
  • Roast for 40-50 minutes, just until starting to brown.
  • Scrape everything into the blender (if you prefer, you can pull the peel off the tomatoes first) and add the basil, tomato paste, and sugar. Puree until completely smooth and adjust seasonings to taste.
  • OPTIONAL: you can add cream and/or Parmesan for a richer, creamier flavor.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:
  • Tomatoes: I love using Roma tomatoes for this recipe because they are flavorful and not very watery. Cherry or grape tomatoes are also delicious!
  • Vegetables: feel free to add additional vegetables to your roasting pan: carrots and celery would work well, too!
  • Herbs: basil is an obvious choice but other fresh herbs work well, too: try dill, parsley or thyme (pull it off the stem). You can also sub the fresh basil for a teaspoon of dried basil or basil pesto.
  • Seasonings: make it a spicy tomato sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. 
  • Cream: a bit of cream or evaporated milk can take this simple, fresh sauce to a luxurious level. 
  • Parmesan: Parmesan adds a delicious salty and cheesy flavor — feel free to add some in if you have it!
 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 58cal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 265mg | Potassium: 374mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1214IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords roasted tomato sauce

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

  1. carolyn says

    I started oven roasting tomatoes last year, with tomatoes. now, it’s the only way I do tomatoes. I need to try a little basil in mine.

  2. BABS says

    After making the sauce I would like to can it, can this be done. I see you may freeze it, but would like to store the sauce for longer.

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      I haven’t tried it myself, BABS, so you’d have to experiment. Let me know how it goes!

      • Mark says

        I’m curious why you don’t remove the skin before roasting so the whole tomato gets roasted not just the cut side.

5 from 2 votes

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