Hearty Garden-Style Ragu Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta night with our Hearty Garden-Style Ragu Pasta Sauce! This flavorful sauce blends the richness of tomato sauce with a medley of garden-fresh flavors, creating a chunky and satisfying addition to any pasta dish. Infused with aromatic herbs, a touch of sweetness, and finished with a sprinkle of cheese, this sauce is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a comforting weeknight treat. Serve it over your favorite pasta or use it as a base for pizza or casseroles. Share the love of homemade cooking with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
tomato sauce
29 ounces (canned)
canned diced tomatoes
1/2 cup (drained)
granulated sugar
5 teaspoons (to taste)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
shredded romano cheese
1 tablespoon (for flavor)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon (for garnish)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
bay leaf
1 (whole)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the canned diced tomatoes and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they soften.
3
Pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine.
4
Add the granulated sugar, shredded romano cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and bay leaf into the mixture.
5
Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent sticking.
6
Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, remove the bay leaf before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Garden-Style Ragu Pasta Sauce?
It is a flavorful, chunky tomato-based pasta sauce infused with aromatic herbs, cheeses, and a touch of sweetness, designed for a comforting homemade meal.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this sauce is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are 180 calories per serving of this ragu sauce.
How long does it take to simmer the sauce?
The sauce should be simmered on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What types of tomatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of 29 ounces of tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of drained canned diced tomatoes.
Do I need to drain the canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies using drained canned diced tomatoes to maintain the desired consistency.
Which oil is best for cooking this sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing and flavor.
What cheeses are included in the Hearty Garden-Style Ragu?
The sauce features shredded romano cheese for flavor and shredded parmesan cheese for garnish.
Can I substitute the romano cheese?
Yes, you can substitute romano with additional parmesan or pecorino if preferred.
Is there sugar in this pasta sauce?
Yes, the recipe includes 5 teaspoons of granulated sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, dried parsley, and a whole bay leaf.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
You should remove the bay leaf after the sauce has finished simmering and before serving.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but keep in mind that you generally need more fresh herbs than dried ones to achieve the same flavor intensity.
How much protein is in this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 4 grams of protein.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned tomato products and cheeses to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
What should I serve with this ragu?
This sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, or it can be used as a base for pizza or casseroles.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Absolutely, this sauce is excellent for meal prep and can be stored for later use.
How do I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this ragu sauce?
Yes, tomato-based sauces like this one freeze very well in freezer-safe containers for several months.
How do I reheat the sauce?
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat on the stovetop, or in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey to turn this into a meat ragu.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
This sauce contains 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the garlic flavor strong?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, providing a subtle, well-rounded aromatic flavor rather than an overpowering one.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Yes, the sugar is added to taste, so you can adjust the amount based on your preference or the sweetness of your tomatoes.
What makes this 'garden-style'?
The combination of chunky diced tomatoes and a variety of herbs gives it a fresh, textured feel reminiscent of garden-style sauces.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and the recipe uses common pantry staples, making it very beginner-friendly.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to stir the sauce occasionally while it simmers on low heat to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, this is a mild sauce. It contains black pepper for flavor but does not include any spicy peppers or flakes.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 11 specific ingredients.