Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion & Butter
Marcella Hazan’s Tomato Sauce with Onion & Butter is a classic Italian recipe made with just four ingredients—tomatoes, butter, onion, and salt—for a rich, velvety, and naturally sweet sauce perfect for pasta or bread dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings (sauces 1–1½ lbs pasta)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 pounds fresh ripe tomatoes, prepared (see prep options), OR 2 cups canned imported Italian tomatoes with juice (can use full 28 oz can)
5 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, peeled and halved
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare fresh tomatoes using one of the methods: blanching, freezing, or food mill (optional if using canned).
- In a saucepan, combine the tomatoes, butter, onion halves, and salt.
- Simmer uncovered at a gentle bubble for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally and mashing large pieces of tomato with a wooden spoon.
- When the sauce has thickened and the fat floats free, taste and adjust salt.
- Remove the onion before serving, if desired. Toss with pasta or serve with Parmesan.
Notes
- Swap onion for ramps or leeks for a seasonal twist.
- Add red pepper flakes during simmering for gentle heat.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil.
- Stir in roasted garlic at the end for extra depth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
