The first time I read about this recipe, I was a doubter. Canned tomatoes, butter, and an onion? Sure, I thought, sounds okay and all. But it doesn’t sound like anything that would part the heavens and make the birds sing and force me to declare proudly that my life was now complete.
Which I guess it really doesn’t – it’s just food after all. But this sauce truly is more divine than you’d think upon reading the list of ingredients. Something about simmering these three ingredients together really does create magic.
Magic Three-Ingredient Pasta Sauce is wonderful tossed in or spooned over just about any pasta. We especially enjoy it mixed in with plain ol’ spaghetti noodles or piled onto whole-wheat penne.
Simple, inexpensive, and easy to make. Who doesn’t want more of that in their kitchen?
Magic Three-Ingredient Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce can whole tomatoes (San Marzano are fabulous, but I've used others and they're also delicious)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (peeled and halved)
- Salt (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Add the tomatoes, butter, and onion to a heavy medium-sized saucepan. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, keeping it at a steady simmer.
- Simmer for about 45 minutes until the butter droplets float free from the tomatoes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, gently smashing the tomato on the side of the pan as you stir.
- Remove the onion and discard.
- If desired, season to taste with salt.
- Serve with your favorite pasta.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, with a name like mine, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
yum! I’ve made this sauce before and it’s SO simple and surprising. it’s so pretty on that yellow plate with that green!