This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full Disclosure Policy for details.
This Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce turns a handful of simple ingredients into a rich, savory tomato sauce with incredible depth of flavor. Three whole bulbs of roasted garlic melt into crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, basil, and herbs for a sauce that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
Want to see more Love Bakes Good Cakes recipes on Google?
Because roasting garlic softens its sharp bite and brings out its natural sweetness, you get plenty of garlic flavor without an overpowering raw garlic taste. This homemade pasta sauce is ready in about 35 minutes, making it easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
And don’t stop at pasta. This roasted garlic tomato sauce is delicious on pizza, tucked into lasagna, served with mozzarella sticks, or used as a warm dipping sauce for bread.
Table of Contents
- ❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What is roasted garlic pasta sauce?
- Key Ingredients
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- Variations
- Tips for Best Results
- FAQs
- Storage
- Quick Steps
- Make Ahead
- What to serve with Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
- If You Enjoyed Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
- 📌 Save This Recipe
- Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce Recipe
- 🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big flavor in only 35 minutes. Tomato paste, roasted garlic, and herbs give this sauce the depth of a much longer-simmered sauce.
- Three whole bulbs of roasted garlic. It sounds like a lot, but roasted garlic is sweet, mellow, and slightly nutty instead of sharp.
- Made with pantry staples. Most of the ingredients are easy to keep on hand.
- Use it for more than pasta. Turn it into pizza sauce, lasagna sauce, or a dip for bread and mozzarella sticks.
- Easy to customize. Leave it slightly chunky or blend it for a completely smooth sauce.
- Great for making ahead. Make a batch when you have time and have homemade sauce ready for another meal.
What is roasted garlic pasta sauce?
Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce is a tomato-based sauce made with roasted garlic instead of relying only on fresh or sautéed garlic. Roasting changes garlic considerably. The cloves become soft, slightly sweet, nutty, and mellow.
That makes it possible to add three entire bulbs of garlic to this garlic pasta sauce without making the finished dish taste overwhelmingly garlicky.
Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor, while crushed tomatoes provide the body of the sauce. Fresh basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and a small amount of granulated sugar round everything out.
The result is an easy from scratch pasta sauce that has enough flavor to stand on its own but is versatile enough to use in other recipes.
Key Ingredients
NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
Roasted garlic: The star of the recipe. You’ll use three whole bulbs, with the roasted cloves removed from their peels and smashed. Don’t cut back simply because three bulbs sounds like a lot. Roasting mellows the garlic considerably.
Crushed tomatoes: These make up the base of the sauce and give it a thick but spoonable consistency.
Tomato paste: Cooking the tomato paste briefly with the onion and garlic adds another layer of concentrated tomato flavor.
Yellow onion: Sautéing the onion in olive oil gives the sauce a flavorful base.
Fresh basil: Fresh basil adds brightness that balances the rich tomato and roasted garlic flavors.
Granulated sugar: Just one teaspoon helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Oregano: A little dried oregano adds classic Italian-inspired flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A small amount gives the sauce gentle warmth without turning it into a spicy sauce.
Ingredients & Substitutions
NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and start the flavor base of the sauce.
- Yellow onion: It has a mild sweetness that works especially well with tomato sauce. A white onion can also be used.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and richness. Don’t skip this ingredient since it helps give the quick-cooking sauce a longer-simmered flavor.
- Roasted garlic: Three whole roasted bulbs create the signature flavor of the sauce. Roasted garlic is much sweeter and milder than raw garlic, so don’t let the quantity scare you.
- Crushed tomatoes: These give the sauce its tomato base and texture.
- Fresh basil: Adds freshness and classic flavor. If you love basil, you can add a little extra at the end.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes. You can adjust it according to the tomatoes you’re using and your personal preference.
- Dried oregano: Adds another layer of classic Italian-inspired flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Season the sauce and bring the other flavors together. Taste the finished sauce before adding extra salt.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Add a little background heat. Leave them out for a mild sauce or increase them if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Variations
- Make it smooth: Blend the finished sauce for about 5-10 seconds. Return it to the saucepan and cook for another 5-10 minutes if needed to thicken it.
- Make it spicier: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.
- Make it less spicy: Leave out the crushed red pepper flakes for a completely mild sauce.
- Use it for pizza: Spread a thin layer over pizza dough and add your favorite toppings.
- Use it in baked pasta: Layer the sauce into lasagna or use it with other baked pasta dishes.
- Add more fresh basil: Stir additional chopped basil into the sauce just before serving for a brighter basil flavor.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t be afraid of the garlic. Three bulbs of raw garlic would be extremely strong. Three bulbs of roasted garlic are completely different. Roasting makes garlic mellow, sweet, and slightly nutty, which is exactly what gives this sauce its signature flavor.
- Let the onions soften. Give them the full 5 minutes before adding the tomato paste and garlic. You want tender onions rather than crunchy pieces in the finished sauce.
- Keep the simmer gentle. Once the sauce reaches a simmer, turn the heat down to low.
- Stir frequently. Tomato sauce can stick or scorch on the bottom of the pan, especially as it thickens.
- Taste before adding more salt. Tomatoes and individual preferences vary, so taste the finished sauce and adjust the salt if necessary.
FAQs
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend skimping on it. Three bulbs sounds like a lot if you’re thinking about raw garlic, but roasted garlic has a much sweeter, mellower, slightly nutty flavor. It’s what makes this Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce different from an ordinary tomato sauce.
It has a definite roasted garlic flavor, but it shouldn’t have the harsh bite you would get from using the same amount of raw garlic. Roasting completely changes the character of the garlic and gives this roasted garlic tomato sauce its rich flavor.
Yes. Blend the finished sauce for about 5-10 seconds until it reaches your preferred consistency. Return it to the saucepan and cook for another 5-10 minutes if you want it thicker.
Absolutely. It works well as a homemade pizza sauce. Spread it over your pizza crust and add your favorite cheese and toppings.
You can use your favorite pasta shape. Since this is a thick homemade pasta sauce, it works with everything from spaghetti and linguine to penne, rigatoni, or other shapes that can hold plenty of sauce.
Yes. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion. Freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
There are plenty of options beyond pasta. Use this from scratch pasta sauce for pizza, lasagna, baked pasta, dipping bread, or mozzarella sticks. It can also replace a basic tomato garlic sauce when you want something with a deeper roasted flavor.
Storage
Allow leftover sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled sauce in a freezer-safe container. Leave a little room at the top for expansion. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Quick Steps
NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.
- Sauté the onion. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the concentrated flavors. Stir in the tomato paste and smashed roasted garlic.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the basil, granulated sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Simmer. Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Serve. Remove the sauce from the heat and serve it over your favorite pasta.
For an extra-smooth tomato garlic sauce, blend the finished sauce for 5-10 seconds, then return it to the pan and cook for another 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Make Ahead
This sauce is a great make-ahead option because the flavors have time to mingle as it sits.
Prepare the sauce according to the recipe, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop.
You can also roast the garlic ahead of time so it’s ready when you want to make the sauce.
What to serve with Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
The obvious choice is your favorite pasta. This recipe makes enough sauce for about 1 pound of pasta, so it’s an easy starting point for a family dinner.
Add garlic bread, breadsticks, or a loaf of crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal.
You can also use the sauce in lasagna, spoon it onto pizza dough, or serve it warm as a dipping sauce with bread or mozzarella sticks.
If You Enjoyed Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
If you love the mellow garlic flavor in this sauce, my BEST Garlic Bread is practically made to go alongside it. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of tomato sauce on your plate.
For another cozy Italian-inspired dinner, try my Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta. It’s an easy way to keep pasta night interesting when you’re craving something a little heartier.
My Italian Herb Baked Meatballs would also be delicious paired with this Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce. Serve them over pasta with plenty of sauce for a classic, satisfying dinner.
If homemade bread is your weakness, don’t miss these Soft Italian Breadsticks. They’re just the thing for dipping into extra sauce and turning a simple pasta dinner into a complete meal.
For another easy pasta dinner, my Italian Sausage & Alfredo Pasta Bake switches things up with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s especially good when you’re in the mood for something cheesy and comforting.
You might also enjoy my Parmesan Italian Shrimp with Pasta. The shrimp and Parmesan make it feel a little special while still keeping dinner approachable and family-friendly.
For a simple side to round out pasta night, try my Rosemary Focaccia Bread. The savory rosemary flavor pairs beautifully with tomato and roasted garlic, and that soft bread is perfect for soaking up any sauce left on your plate.
Looking for even more dinner inspiration? Browse my Recipe Index to find plenty of easy family meals, pasta recipes, breads, side dishes, and more Love Bakes Good Cakes favorites.
📌 Save This Recipe
Keep this Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce recipe handy when you need an easy way to make pasta night taste extra special. It takes only 35 minutes from start to finish and works with so much more than a bowl of noodles.
It’s also a great recipe to remember when you have roasted garlic on hand and want to turn it into something substantial for dinner.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Roasted Garlic Pasta Sauce
Would you like to save this?
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- blender (optional for a smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 3 whole bulbs roasted garlic, removed from peel and smashed
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the olive oil and onion. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ yellow onion
- Add the tomato paste and roasted garlic. Stir to combine.6 ounces tomato paste, 3 whole bulbs roasted garlic
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the basil, granulated sugar, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons fresh basil, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove from the heat and serve over your favorite pasta.
Notes
🥡 Storage
- Allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
♨️ Reheating
- Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
❄️ Freezing
- Cool the sauce completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
💡 Tips for Best Results
- Don’t reduce the roasted garlic simply because three bulbs sounds like a lot. Roasted garlic is much milder and sweeter than raw garlic.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Taste the sauce at the end of cooking before adding additional salt.
🍳 Alternate Cooking Methods
- The stovetop method is best for this recipe. Since the sauce only needs a short simmer and frequent stirring, there isn’t much benefit to using a slow cooker, an Instant Pot, an oven, or an air fryer.
♻️ Leftovers
- Use leftover sauce with another pasta meal, spread it on pizza, layer it into lasagna or another baked pasta dish, or warm it for dipping bread or mozzarella sticks.
📝 Notes
- For a completely smooth sauce, blend it for about 5-10 seconds after cooking. Return it to the saucepan and cook for another 5-10 minutes, if necessary, to thicken.
- Three bulbs of roasted garlic will not taste like three bulbs of raw garlic. Roasting makes the garlic sweet, mellow, and slightly nutty.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.
