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Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce recipe delivers a rich, flavorful tomato sauce made from a blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and San Marzano tomatoes simmered to perfection. It’s enhanced with red wine and finished with a smooth blend for a classic Italian taste perfect for any pasta dish.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Fats

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
  • 1/2 cup red wine (such as Chianti, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon)

Tomatoes & Herbs

  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
  • 1-2 sprigs of fresh thyme

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat fats: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften evenly.
  3. Add garlic and salt: Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and the minced garlic; cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning the garlic.
  4. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the red wine and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and flavors concentrate.
  5. Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, remaining salt, black pepper to taste, fresh torn basil, and sprigs of thyme.
  6. Simmer sauce: Cover the pot, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken.
  7. Blend to finish: Turn off heat and let the sauce cool for a few minutes. Blend the sauce using an immersion blender or traditional blender until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning if needed.

Notes

  • Use San Marzano tomatoes for authentic sweetness and acidity.
  • Red wine enhances depth but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version—substitute with extra vegetable broth or water.
  • Adjust seasoning and consistency by simmering longer if thicker sauce is desired.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs, but reduce quantity by half.
  • This sauce freezes well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/authentic-italian-pasta-sauce-recipe/