Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Rest Time 10 mins
Total Time 31 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 90  C
Servings: 6
Best Season: All Seasons
Description

This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce is a rich, flavorful, and comforting homemade sauce made with simple pantry ingredients, fresh basil, and slow-cooked tomatoes. Perfect for pasta nights, meal prep, or freezer storage, this easy recipe develops deep, authentic Italian flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients
    For the Tomato Base
  • 800 g canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh blended tomatoes)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup tomato puree (optional, for richer texture)
    • For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • For the Seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
    • For Fresh Flavor Finish
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter (optional for richness)
Instructions
    Prepare the Aromatics
  1. 1
    Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. This step enhances the depth of flavor before slow cooking.
    2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
  2. 2
    Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato puree. Stir well until everything is fully combined.
    3. Add Seasonings
  3. 3
    Add salt, black pepper, oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), and sugar. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the sauce.
    4. Slow Cook the Sauce
  4. 4
    Cover and cook on low heat (90–95°C) for 6–8 hours. Stir occasionally if possible. The slow cooking allows the flavors to blend beautifully and creates a rich, thick texture.
    5. Final Flavor Boost
  5. 5
    About 15 minutes before serving, stir in freshly chopped basil and butter (optional). This gives the sauce a fresh aroma and a silky finish.
    6. Rest and Serve
  6. 6
    Turn off the slow cooker and let the sauce rest for 10 minutes. Serve hot over your favorite pasta or store for later use.
Note

Make it smoother: Blend the sauce after cooking for a silky texture.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in portion-sized containers.

Add protein: You can add cooked chicken or vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.

Keywords: easy, slow cooker, homemade, healthy, budget-friendly
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/slow-cooker-tomato-basil-pasta-sauce/