Fasta Pasta - 10 Minute Pasta Sauce
A quick, flavorful tomato-based pasta sauce with fresh herbs, garlic, and red wine, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or casual dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy skillet, add olive oil, chopped fresh tomatoes, and 1/4 of the red wine. Saute until the tomatoes cook down until soft and tender.
- Add crushed garlic, finely chopped onion, chopped basil, canned tomatoes, and the remaining wine. Cook on high for 2 minutes.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour over your choice of cooked pasta and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes if available. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can be used in a pinch; just reduce the amount. You can substitute the red wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version or use a splash of balsamic vinegar for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this 10-minute pasta sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside Italian baked mushrooms or a crisp, white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fasta Pasta - 10 Minute Pasta Sauce contains roughly 911 calories, with 14g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2076mg per serving (90% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use sun-dried tomatoes for a concentrated flavor. Just rehydrate them in hot water or oil before adding to the sauce. Adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish, as they are more intense in flavor than fresh tomatoes.
What if I don't have red wine?
If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or grape juice mixed with a splash of vinegar. This will help maintain the acidity and depth of flavor that wine provides.
Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this sauce is vegan-friendly. Just omit the Parmesan cheese when serving, or use a vegan cheese alternative. The sauce itself is packed with flavor from the fresh ingredients and can be enjoyed by everyone!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).