Lately we have had too many tomatoes in our garden, and I have been looking for something easy to make out of them. I wanted to make something with just ingredients we already had on hand! This recipe came together quickly and with minimal costs and ingredients!


The pasta sauce comes together very quick, however, the longer you let it simmer the better! The flavors really meld together, and it is so tasty!
Supplies:
- Food Processor
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Salt
- Olive Oil
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic Cloves
- Dried Oregano
- Dried Basil
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Dried Thyme
- Smoked Paprika
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Bay Leaf
- Fresh Basil
- Pasta Noodles of Choice (I used Penne Pasta)
- Protein of Choice- if wanted (I love to top with ground sausage)
- Parmesan (optional)
Step 1: Crush Tomatoes & Prep
First, crush the tomatoes in a food processor with salt; only about 5-6 pulses. Then, mince the garlic and dice the onion.
Step 2: Sauté & Simmer
Then, preheat the frying pan with olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Then, add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add in the crushed tomatoes and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add in Herbs & Spices & Simmer
Next, add in oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and fresh basil. Stir and cover with a lid. Simmer for at least 10 more minutes. Cook any pasta according to instructions and prep protein (if you are adding one).
Step 4: Mix with Pasta
Take the simmering sauce and add it on top of the cooked pasta. Stir it in and top with protein and parmesan if you desire. Serve immediately!

On Its Own or With Protein:
One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be eaten vegetarian, or you can add your favorite protein! Honestly, my favorite protein on this pasta is ground sausage! It adds a great flavor! Also, you could add grilled chicken, meatballs or ground beef! These are all great options and will take this sauce to the next level!
Check Out the Recipe Video on My Instagram:
Other Easy Dinner Recipes On The Blog:
Easy Mustard & Bacon Pork Tenderloin
Spicy Balsamic Pasta Sauce

A tasty, light summertime pasta! The rich flavors really come together to coat your pasta noodles perfectly!
- Food Processor
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan
- 3 Tomatoes
- ½ tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 2 tsp Dried Basil
- ½ tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ cup Fresh Basil
- Pasta Noodles of Choice
- Protein of Choice
- Parmesan ((optional))
First, crush the tomatoes in a food processor with salt; only about 5-6 pulses. Then, mince the garlic and dice the onion.
Then, preheat the frying pan with olive oil over medium high heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes or until soft. Then, add in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Add in the crushed tomatoes and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Next, add in oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, crushed red pepper, balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and fresh basil. Stir and cover with a lid. Simmer for at least 10 more minutes. Cook any pasta according to instructions and prep protein (if you are adding one).
Take the simmering sauce and add it on top of the cooked pasta. Stir it in and top with protein and parmesan if you desire. Serve immediately!
Add whatever protein you want to this pasta or leave it vegetarian! It’s delicious either way! The nutrition facts listed take into account the sauce over pasta noodles only.
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