Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Sauce is a deeply flavorful sauce that captures the essence of ripe, juicy tomatoes. By roasting the tomatoes with garlic and herbs, this sauce develops a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances any dish. Perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other recipes, this sauce is a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire.
What is Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce?
Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made by roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs until they become sweet and caramelized. After roasting, the tomatoes are blended into a smooth, rich sauce that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making this sauce a flavorful alternative to traditional stovetop marinara.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Intensely Flavorful: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
- Versatile: This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes like soups and stews.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours.
- Healthy and Fresh: Made with fresh tomatoes and minimal added sugar, this sauce is a healthy choice.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce can be made in advance and stored, making it convenient for busy weeknights.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
- 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes (such as Roma or plum tomatoes), halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Equipment
- Baking Sheet: For roasting the tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
- Blender or Immersion Blender: For pureeing the roasted tomatoes into a smooth sauce.
- Large Saucepan: For simmering the sauce after blending.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are used to measure ingredients accurately.
- Chef’s Knife: For halving the tomatoes and quartering the onion.
- Cutting Board: To prepare your ingredients.
Instructions to Make Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized and the onions and garlic are tender. The edges of the tomatoes should be slightly charred for added flavor.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic to a blender or use an immersion blender directly on the baking sheet. Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended tomato mixture into a large saucepan. Add the sugar (if using) and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. If using, stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving. The sauce can be served immediately over pasta, used as a pizza base, or stored for later use.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Pasta: Serve over spaghetti, penne, or any pasta of your choice.
- Pizza: Use as a flavorful base for homemade pizza.
- Grilled Chicken: Spoon over grilled chicken breasts for a quick and delicious dinner.
- Meatballs: Pair with meatballs for a classic Italian-American dish.
- Eggplant Parmesan: Layer with fried eggplant slices for a hearty vegetarian dish.
Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season tomatoes. Roma or plum tomatoes are ideal because they are meatier and have fewer seeds.
- Roast Until Caramelized: Make sure the tomatoes are fully roasted with slightly charred edges for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your tomatoes are very acidic, add a small amount of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Customize the Texture: Blend the sauce to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky—depending on your preference.
- Make It Ahead: This sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it convenient for meal prep.
Variations of Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan for an herbaceous flavor.
- Spicy Roasted Tomato Sauce: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Garlic Lover’s Sauce: Roast additional garlic cloves for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Vegetable-Rich Sauce: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the roasting pan for added depth of flavor.
- Creamy Roasted Tomato Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Storing Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce: Best Practices
- Refrigerate Properly: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze for Later: This sauce freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce: Best Practices
- Stovetop Method: Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, cover them, and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
How Can I Make Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce Healthier?
- Use Less Oil: Reduce the amount of olive oil used to lighten the sauce.
- Skip the Sugar: If you prefer a more natural, unsweetened sauce, omit the sugar entirely.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate more roasted vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness and a nutritional boost.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Serve the sauce over whole wheat pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich meal.
Nutrition Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs
How do I prevent Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce from being too acidic?
To prevent the sauce from being too acidic, use ripe tomatoes and consider adding a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity. Roasting the tomatoes also naturally sweetens them, reducing the need for added sugar.
Can I make Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this sauce can be made ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before using.
What dishes pair best with Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce?
This sauce pairs wonderfully with pasta, pizza, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes like eggplant Parmesan. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Can I add other vegetables to Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Sauce?
Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots to the roasting pan for added flavor and nutrition. This will give the sauce a richer, more complex taste.
Final Words
Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Sauce is a delicious and versatile sauce that brings out the best in ripe tomatoes. With its rich, caramelized flavor and simple preparation, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, using it as a pizza base, or incorporating it into other dishes, this roasted tomato sauce is a must-try. Enjoy the deep, robust flavors, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family!
Related Recipes By Garin:
- Ina Garten Cocktail Sauce
- Ina Garten Spaghetti Sauce With Meat
- Ina Garten Cranberry Sauce
- Ina Garten Pesto Sauce
- Ina Garten Marinara Sauce

Ina Garten Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Oven and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Ina Garten’s Roasted Tomato Sauce is a classic Italian-inspired sauce made by roasting fresh tomatoes with garlic, onions, and herbs until they become sweet and caramelized. After roasting, the tomatoes are blended into a smooth, rich sauce that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, making this sauce a flavorful alternative to traditional stovetop marinara.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of ripe tomatoes (such as Roma or plum tomatoes), halved
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the halved tomatoes, quartered onion, and garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized and the onions and garlic are tender. The edges of the tomatoes should be slightly charred for added flavor.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic to a blender or use an immersion blender directly on the baking sheet. Blend until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended tomato mixture into a large saucepan. Add the sugar (if using) and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. If using, stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving. The sauce can be served immediately over pasta, used as a pizza base, or stored for later use.