perfect pasta sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best perfect pasta sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my perfect pasta sauce recipe that’s been a staple in our household for years. This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit any taste. I remember the first time I made this sauce, I was hooked from the very first bite. The rich flavors of the onions, garlic, and tomatoes melded together perfectly, creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in many store-bought sauces.

My family loves this sauce so much that we’ve made it a part of our weekly meal routine. We serve it over pasta, use it as a dip for bread, or even as a topping for pizza. It’s truly a versatile sauce that never fails to impress. One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make.

Simply sauté some onions and garlic, add in your favorite herbs and spices, and let the sauce simmer until it’s thickened to perfection. This recipe makes a big batch of sauce that we can enjoy for days to come. And the best part? It’s healthy too!

By using fresh ingredients and skipping the added sugars found in many commercial sauces, we’re able to enjoy a delicious meal without compromising on nutrition. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe, but this one remains my absolute favorite. I hope you love it just as much as we do! As you can see from the photo above, this sauce is a beautiful reddish-brown color that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Almost! The aroma wafting from the pot as it simmers is incredible – your kitchen will smell like an Italian restaurant in no time! Whether you’re serving this sauce at home or taking it to a potluck dinner, I guarantee you’ll be the star of the show.

Classic Italian Pasta Sauce

4.9 from 1704 votes

A rich and flavorful pasta sauce made with fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness. This sauce is perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1/2 cup red wine
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
3Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
4Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine to the pot.
5Stir well to combine.
6Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
7Reduce heat to low, add salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and bay leaf.
Stir well.
8Let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
9Stir in sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
10Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11Remove the bay leaf before serving.
12Use the sauce immediately or allow it to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 7g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to puree the vegetables. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

This perfect pasta sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years and has become a go-to option for any occasion – whether we’re having a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests on the weekend.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve used it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, as a topping for pizza night, or even as a base for homemade marinara sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Pasta Sauce

Q: What type of tomatoes should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using San Marzano tomatoes. These Italian tomatoes are sweeter and have less acidity than other varieties, which makes them perfect for sauces. If you can’t find San Marzano tomatoes, look for other sweet and low-acid tomato varieties such as Roma or Plum tomatoes.

Q: Can I make this sauce in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you prefer to freeze it, transfer the cooled sauce to an ice cube tray or freezer-safe container and store for up to 6 months.

Q: How long does this sauce take to cook?

A: This sauce takes approximately 30-40 minutes to cook on low heat, depending on your stovetop’s temperature control and how thick you prefer your sauce.

Q: Can I customize this recipe with other ingredients?

A: Of course! Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices or experiment with different types of meat or vegetables.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.

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