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Easy Flavorful Canned Diced Tomatoes with Basil Sea Salt Recipe for Perfect Pasta

canned diced tomatoes with basil sea salt - featured image

A quick and easy canned diced tomato sauce enhanced with basil and sea salt, perfect for elevating pasta dishes with fresh, vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add minced garlic (if using) and sauté gently for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with juice and stir to combine.
  4. Season with dried basil or fresh basil, sea salt, and black pepper if using; stir well.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning; add a pinch of sugar if too acidic, and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. If starting with dried basil, stir in fresh basil leaves at the end for brightness.
  8. Serve warm over cooked pasta or use as a base for other dishes.

Notes

Use good-quality canned tomatoes like San Marzano for best flavor. Simmer sauce gently to avoid breaking down texture. Add fresh basil at the end for brightness. Adjust seasoning gradually and avoid burning garlic. For smoother sauce, blend after simmering. Sauce tastes better after resting overnight. Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, sea salt, easy pasta sauce, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, gluten-free, vegetarian