Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro)

For me, this is the best and most authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro). I have to confess that this is the first recipe ever I learned to cook at a young age and over the years I have not changing it that much. My parents were both working long hours and they have always managed to make a home cooked meal. This recipe was our main meal for those buys nights and I have been observing and learning this nostalgic process. I still remember that one night – I was still in high-school- my parents were late, and I felt I had to care for them, so I made this sugo, by myself, and I felt good about it: not because it was special but simply because it was a way to say thank you for all those time they were cooking and caring for me.

I have always appreciated the elegant simplicity of this recipe and I hope this flavorful sugo al pomodoro will become your go-to and will help you create more memories in your kitchen!

Why you will love this recipe

– Pasta al sugo di pomodoro – pasta with tomato sauce – is the most simple and traditional Italian meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes!

– This simple tomato sauce recipe will require only 5 ingredients! Yes! Only 5! And I am sure you have them already in your pantry!

– This is the perfect sauce that will work as a base for many more delicious Italian recipes: classic chicken cacciatore, ragu’, classic lasagna.

What is sugo?

In Italian sugo means a tomato sauce that is obtained by simmering it at low heat on the stove for long time. In general you will use a handful of simple ingredients, which combination, cooked at low temperature will develop a flavorful aroma. Sugo al pomodor is the classic Italian tomato sauce that you can find in many restaurants all along the Italian peninsula.

There are many variations of sugo and every family has its own recipe. There are tough a few substantial differences between sugo and ragu’. Sugo is a simple tomato sauce, usually smooth and velvety. Ragu’ is instead a chunkier, richer sauce that contains one type or different types of meat.

In the US an Italian red tomato sauce has also different names: Sunday Gravy and most common, marinara. What are the differences between tomato sauce, Sunday Gravy and marinara ? Well a tomato sauce is still similar to sugo, it is an Italian style tomato sauce simmered longer. The Sunday Gravy is instead a chunkier sauce with pieces of meat while the marinara is a fresh tomato sauce that has garlic and basil and it is usually quick and simmered for 10-15 minitues on medium heat.

Sugo al Pomodoro Ingredients

The list of ingredients is fairly simple. You will just need to make sure you will chose great quality ingredients. Italian recipes are mostly simple and in general require a few ingredients, but when they are of supreme quality, they will contribute to make this sauce from great to amazing.

Italian recipes are mostly simple– a few fresh ingredients create a balanced combination of flavors that complement one another perfectly. This is the true and authentic Italian way! I have always appreciate the light taste of this simple authentic recipe.

Extra Virgin Olive oil: make sure you chose a good brand, preferably cold pressed and with low acidity.

Canned Tomato Sauce: the quality is defined by the ingredients. A high quality brand use San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes and salt. Do not use diced, puréed tomatoes or passata. (More below!)

Onions: I use yellow onions. You can also use white or shallots onions.

Garlic: Add a few cloves of garlic to add more depth to the sauce.

Salt and pepper: to taste

Fresh basil: to bring out the freshness of the tomatoes.

How to make Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce (Sugo al Pomodoro)

To make this authentic Italian sugo recipe you will start by slicing, or dicing, your onion. Add good quality extra virgin olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onions and cook until translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until it has softened. Make sure onions and garlic are not browning or burning, they just need to sweat a little bit!

Then, add the canned tomatoes. Break gently the tomato with a wooden spoon and stir occasionally as the sauce cooks for 3-35 minutes on low heat.

Right after turning off the heat, add a little salt and pepper, and the fresh basil, and stir to combine. The fresh basil at the end will add a depth of fresh flavor to the sauce.

Why should you make your own homemade tomato sauce?

Making your own tomato sauce is definitely the true and authentic Italian way! The secret of Italian cooking is using simple high quality ingredients that when combined will create a balanced combination of flavors. And this sugo al pomodoro is the classic Italian example of how great ingredients lead to a sauce that has passed down from generation to generation in every Italian family.

Most canned tomato pasta sauces are filled with different ingredients and spices, that are just taking away from the sweet flavors of the tomato itself. Once you will make your own tomato sauce, you will never reach again that jar of tomato sauce.

What type of canned tomatoes should I use?

You can’t just use any canned tomatoes though. You should get Pelati or peeled, whole tomatoes. Not crushed. Not diced. Whole tomatoes only. DOP San Marzano tomatoes are the best because they are plump, meatier and provide the best flavor. In general whole tomatoes are less process by the machines that dice or chop other kinds of tomato products and for this reason they maintain their original flavor.

Always check the ingredients! Steer away from brands which canned tomatoes contains citric acid which will make your sauce more acid. Avoid canned tomatoes that has “natural flavors”, it is usually herbs or spices that alter the simple freshness of tomatoes. Some brands might use calcium chloride to make the tomatoes firmer. If you prefer softer tomatoes, avoid the brands with this ingredients. A good brand of canned tomatoes should juts contains tomatoes and salt!!!

These are some of my favorite brands:

Mutti Whole Peeled Tomatoes

Cento San Marzano Certified Peeled Tomatoes

Bianco diNapoli Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes

Can I use my own jarred tomato sauce?

Definitely you can, especially if you harvest and can your own tomato in the summer. If you want to do your own sauce from scratch check out my best fresh tomato sauce recipe: authentic Italian homemade tomato sauce. This recipe will simply highlight the freshness of the tomato sauce.

How to serve Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce

This is the best tomato sauce to serve with pasta. You can use both short or long type of pasta – I recommend using rigatoni, mezzi rigatoni or spaghetti. Sprinkle it with Parmigiano Reggiano, if you like it.

It makes also a great sauce to serve with My Granda’s gnocchi for a meal that is comforting!

If you want something richer add burrata o ricotta. Do not forget to soak up the sauce with some focaccia bread!

How to store Italian Tomato Sauce

This traditional tomato sauce is perfect for making ahead! You can store in the refrigerator or freezer so you can have it on hand at any time! 

Fridge- store in a mason jar or tightly sealed airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week.  

Freezer – as long as the cooked sauce is sealed in a proper container or in a proper freezer bag it will last 4-6 weeks in the freezer. 

It is a great Italian staple and it is the base for many more delicious Italian recipes!

More delicious recipes for you

Cherry tomato pasta with capers and crispy breadcrumbs

Easy Smoked Salmon Mascarpone Linguine

Authentic Italian Pasta alla Carbonara

Authentic Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe

Gorgonzola Pear Walnut Spaghetti

If you try this recipe and you liked it, please leave a star review below! I would be very appreciative of your comments! Make sure to tag me on Instagram  @Italian_kitchen_confessions I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.

Recipe card powered by WP Recipe Maker.