Classic Italian Pasta Sauce
Experience the rich and robust flavors of this Classic Italian Pasta Sauce, a recipe that has been perfected over generations. This sauce is a perfect balance of savory tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice, making it an ideal complement to your favorite pasta dishes. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this versatile sauce is sure to impress and can easily be customized with your choice of meats or enjoyed as is. Don't forget, it also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy that homemade taste anytime!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
6 (chopped)
canned chopped tomatoes
28 ounces (none)
canned crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (none)
canned tomato paste
6 ounces (none)
canned tomato sauce
8 ounces (none)
sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
red wine
8 ounces (none)
dried basil
2 tablespoons (none)
dried oregano
1-2 tablespoons (none)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Heat a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2
Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
3
Stir in the chopped garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to release its aroma.
4
Add the canned chopped tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, and red wine to the pot. Stir thoroughly until combined.
5
Incorporate the dried basil, oregano, kosher salt, and ground pepper, mixing well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
6
Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7
After 2 hours, taste the sauce and add more red wine if it’s too thick, adjusting seasonings as necessary.
8
Continue to simmer the sauce, covered, for an additional hour for deeper flavors.
9
Alternatively, you can prepare this sauce in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for convenience.
10
For added protein, mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage just before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this Classic Italian Pasta Sauce?
The sauce offers a rich and robust balance of savory tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Can I make this sauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare this sauce in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
Is this pasta sauce freezer-friendly?
Yes, the sauce freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy a homemade taste anytime.
What size pot is recommended for cooking?
A 4-quart pot is recommended for this recipe.
How long should the sauce simmer for deeper flavors?
After the initial 2 hours, it is recommended to simmer for an additional hour for deeper flavors.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick after simmering, you can add more red wine to adjust the consistency.
What types of canned tomatoes are needed?
You will need canned chopped tomatoes, canned crushed tomatoes, canned tomato paste, and canned tomato sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 chopped garlic cloves.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Yes, you can mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage just before serving.
What kind of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much red wine is included in the ingredients?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of red wine.
Why is sugar added to the sauce?
Sugar is added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil and dried oregano.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Is this sauce spicy?
It contains a hint of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
What type of onion should I use?
One large onion, chopped, is used for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan-friendly as it is made with vegetable-based ingredients.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 14 ingredients in this Classic Italian Pasta Sauce.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
Heat the pot over medium-high heat and add olive oil and crushed red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
When do I add the garlic?
Add the chopped garlic after the onions have sautéed for 5-7 minutes.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, cooked ground turkey is a great protein option for this sauce.
How much tomato paste is required?
You will need one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
What is the total simmering time for the basic version?
The sauce should simmer for at least 2 hours on low heat.
Is fresh ground pepper used?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pot?
Stir the sauce occasionally while it is simmering on low heat.
What type of red wine should I use?
Any standard red wine suitable for cooking will work to enhance the flavor.
Can I use this sauce for meal prepping?
Absolutely, it is ideal for meal prepping as it stores well and tastes even better over time.
What makes this sauce traditional?
The recipe uses a slow-simmering method and classic Italian aromatic ingredients perfected over generations.