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5-minute pasta and pizza sauce in a rustic ceramic bowl, topped with fresh oregano, sitting on a wooden board with a linen napkin, dried oregano and chilli flakes scattered in front, styled on a white timber background in natural light.

The Best 5 Minute Tomato Sauce For Pizza or Pasta

The Best 5-Minute Tomato Sauce is your ultimate kitchen shortcut. Made with six pantry staples in one pan, it delivers a vibrant, rich flavour that’s perfect for pizza, pasta, and beyond. Faster than delivery and infinitely better than jarred sauce.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Course: Condiment, Sauces
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 5 minute tomato sauce, homemade tomato sauce, Mutti tomato sauce, quick pasta sauce, quick pizza sauce
Servings: 1 1/2 cups
Author: Kate Brodhurst

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 400g can finely chopped tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon caster sugar
  • ½-1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

infuse the oil

  • Place olive oil and finely chopped garlic in a small, cold saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the oil around the garlic begins to bubble gently. Cook for 1 minute - do not let the garlic brown.

combine & cook

  • Add the finely chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, caster sugar, and chilli flakes (if using). Stir well and heat through for 1-2 minutes until hot.

season & serve

  • Season generously with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust sugar if needed. Use immediately for pasta, or allow to cool for pizza bases.

Notes

  1. Cooks Notes:
    Oven Temps:     Oven temperatures are for conventional, if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C.
    Measurements: We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon = 5 ml, 1 tablespoon = 20 ml & 1 cup =  250 ml.
    Herbs: All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed.
    Vegetables: All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified.
    Eggs: We use extra-large size and eggs are 55-60 g each, unless specified.
  2. Tomatoes are Key: 
    For authentic 5-minute results, use Mutti Finely Chopped Tomatoes. If using whole or diced tomatoes, you must pulse them in a blender first until finely chopped.
  3. Balancing Act: 
    The sugar is crucial for cutting the tomatoes' acidity. Start with 1 teaspoon; you can add an extra ½ teaspoon after tasting if using a sharper, budget-friendly brand.
  4. Storage: 
    Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in portion-sized bags for up to 6 months.