Our 21 Tastiest Tomato Sauce Recipes

Updated by Food Network Canada Editors on February 16, 2018

While canned will do in a pinch, nothing beats a tangy, bubbling batch of homemade tomato sauce. From speedy marinara to hot and spicy arrabiata, these fresh and flavourful sauces are just like Nonna used to make.

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Arrabiata Sauce

If you like things spicy, this ‘angry’ sauce is perfect-o for you. Red pepper flakes impart their heat as they mingle with garlic and onions cooked in olive oil until soft and fragrant, and crushed tomatoes are added and simmered until soft. This simple recipe can be cooled and frozen for a later meal. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/arrabiata-sauce/16490/" target="_blank">The Pioneer Woman’s Arrabiata Sauce</a>
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San Marzano Sauce

The ultimate tomato for sauce, onions, garlic and a little thyme is all that’s needed to heighten the flavour of this terrific tomato. Serve over spaghetti, rotini or your favourite pasta. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/san-marzano-sauce/10446/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s San Marzano Sauce</a>
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Ricardo’s 3-Step Tomato Sauce

This ruby red, one-ingredient tomato sauce will help you take advantage of those imperfect, discounted tomatoes at the supermarket for a year’s worth of sauce, all in one go. Skip expensive store-bought versions and try this instead. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/ricardos-3-step-tomato-sauce/8781/" target="_blank">Ricardo’s 3-Step Tomato Sauce</a>
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Classic Marinara with San Marzano Tomatoes

The building block and star of the Italian kitchen, this classic marinara sauce using San Marzano tomatoes is an endlessly versatile recipe you’ll want to keep on hand, all year long. It’s the ultimate pairing with Italian meatballs and spaghetti. What's more, the sauce is freezer-friendly, so make a big batch to use over the month. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/food-network-canada-chef-school/recipe/classic-marinara-with-san-marzano-tomatoes/21294/" target="_blank">Mark McEwan’s Classic Marinara with San Marzano Tomatoes</a>
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Tomato Sauce with Leek and Lemon Meatballs

Ricardo’s scrumptious sauce is perfect for canning and saving for chilly days. Make a double batch this weekend, and you’ll have lots to keep you warm and well fed all winter long. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-sauce-with-leek-and-lemon-meatballs/10639/" target="_blank">Ricardo’s Tomato Sauce with Leek and Lemon Meatballs</a>
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Vegan “Meatballs” With Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce

Anna Olson makes meatballs for the meatless crowd with TVP (textured vegetable protein), tofu and bulgur for a spot-on “meaty” texture and taste. You’ll be just as satisfied by the familiar, homey aroma of this dish as you will be with the taste. Want to get a head start on weeknight meal prep? Try these <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/freezer-friendly-vegan-dinners/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">freezer-friendly vegan dinner ideas</a>. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegan-meatballs-with-oven-roasted-tomato-sauce/13672/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anna Olson’s Vegan “Meatballs” With Oven-Roasted Tomato Sauce</a>
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Kids' Spaghetti and Meatballs

Put your little chefs to work helping to roll and shape the meatballs. While the meatballs cook, boil pasta and heat tomato sauce to complete the meal. It’s an Italian classic that’s a hit with kids in the kitchen and at the dinner table. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kids-spaghetti-and-meatballs/4524/" target="_blank">Kids Spaghetti and Meatballs</a>
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Spicy Arrabiata Penne

Fire up your average pasta night with this spicy arrabiata sauce. Classic Italian flavours of garlic, tomatoes, basil and Parmigiano-reggiano come together with red chile flakes as the base of this cheap and tasty dish. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spicy-arrabiata-penne/17291/" target="_blank">Valerie Bertinelli’s Spicy Arrabiata Penne</a>
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Skillet Chicken Parmesan

Give new life to chicken and a day-old baguette with some fresh and vibrant tomato sauce. Not only does this easy <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-chicken-parmesan-recipes/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">chicken Parmesan recipe</a> make the most of leftovers, it's all cooked in one skillet, meaning less mess. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/skillet-chicken-parmesan/18008/" target="_blank">Skillet Chicken Parmesan</a>
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Fresh Tomato Sauce

A simple, made-from-scratch sauce that comes together in only 20 minutes. Perfect for dipping, pizzas or pasta, you’ll love the fresh flavours this dish brings to your kitchen. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/fresh-tomato-sauce/15705/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller’s Fresh Tomato Sauce</a>
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Speedy Tomato Sauce

Leave it to Chef Michael Smith to create a pantry-perfect sauce you can whip up from scratch on even the busiest weeknights. Canned tomatoes, a little garlic and dried herbs come together, while your pasta cooks for dinner in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/speedy-tomato-sauce/8593/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Speedy Tomato Sauce</a>
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Puttanesca Sauce

A traditional Italian sauce that's bursting with flavour thanks to the addition of umami-packed anchovies, salty capers and black olives. Serve with spaghetti, bucatini, penne or linguini. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/puttanesca-sauce/8784/" target="_blank">Ricardo’s Puttanesca Sauce</a>
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Spaghetti and Lamb Meatballs

Succulent lamb meatballs are nestled on a bed of al dente spaghetti and smothered in oregano tomato sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-and-lamb-meatballs/17758/" target="_blank">Nancy Fuller's Spaghetti and Lamb Meatballs</a>
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Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs

You don’t need noodles to make pasta night a success (<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/low-carb-weeknight-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here is more proof</a>). Swap in baked spaghetti squash for a fresh and seasonal take. Just top with sauce and meatballs and enjoy! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/spaghetti-squash-and-meatballs/18015/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs</a>
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Vegetarian Polpette and Spaghetti in Italian Tomato Sauce

Crunchy panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs and sharp Parmesan cheese make a scrumptious vegetarian version of classic Italian meatballs. Pair with a homemade tomato sauce filled with fresh garlic, chili flakes and a splash of white wine for good measure. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/vegetarian-polpette-and-spaghetti-in-italian-tomato-sauce/13998/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Polpette and Spaghetti in Italian Tomato Sauce</a>
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Chorizo and Chickpea Sauce with Rice Pasta

Packed with Spanish chorizo and fresh herbs, this simple weeknight pasta allows you to make the tasty chickpea tomato sauce ahead of time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/chorizo-and-chickpea-sauce-with-rice-pasta/18260/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rachael Ray's Chorizo and Chickpea Sauce with Rice Pasta</a>
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Angie’s Meat Sauce and Gnocchi

This feather-light gnocchi is a labour of love, but one you’ll want to make time and time again. Topped with ground beef and plenty of spices, this recipe is a real winner. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/annies-meat-sauce-and-gnocchi/12368/" target="_blank">Angie’s Meat Sauce and Gnocchi</a>.
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Marinara Pasta Sauce

The simplest of tomato sauces bubbles away on your stovetop for the afternoon, fusing tomatoes, garlic, basil and oregano into one scrumptious and satisfying sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/marinara-pasta-sauce/11784/" target="_blank">Marinara Pasta Sauce</a>
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Slow Cooker Sunday Gravy

This simple, slow cooked sauce showcases tomatoes in three tasty ways. Crushed tomatoes make the bulk of this heavenly sauce, while tomato paste packs a flavourful punch, and sun-dried tomatoes lend a touch of sweetness. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/slow-cooker-sunday-gravy/17451/" target="_blank">Slow Cooker Sunday Gravy</a>
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Tomato Sauce

Chunky, rustic sauce makes the most of fresh roma tomatoes and strong san marzano. Don’t be put off by the price of canned san marzanos. The extra cost is worth it for their sweet flavour, making impeccable and impressive sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/tomato-sauce/13692/" target="_blank">Tomato Sauce</a>
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Penne with Roast Tomato Sauce

Turn your last garden harvest into a savoury sauce that you can freeze and enjoy all winter long. Roasting tomatoes brings out their sweetness, which pairs perfectly with smoky pancetta and bacon. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/penne-with-roast-tomato-sauce/5741/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Penne with Roast Tomato Sauce</a>
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