Garlic Pasta Sauce
A vibrant garlic pasta sauce with fresh tomatoes and bell peppers, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal suited to pasta lovers and those craving a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and brown garlic until light brown.
- Add chopped onion and bell pepper; cook until softened.
- Add skinned and chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta; drain.
- Pour sauce over cooked pasta and blend well.
- Sprinkle with grated Italian cheese and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of fresh. If you're out of tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work well; just reduce the water slightly. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or toss in sautéed spinach or kale to enhance the dish's nutrients. This sauce is versatile and can be used in other Italian recipes as well.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic pasta sauce pairs beautifully with thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, top with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of Italian herbs. It also complements dishes like Spicy Italian Beans or Pasta And Ceci (Chickpeas) wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens. If you're freezing the sauce, it can last up to 3 months; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic Pasta Sauce contains roughly 686 calories, with 10g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (147% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1098mg per serving (48% 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 make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, this garlic pasta sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving. The flavors develop even more when it sits, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I substitute for olive oil?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or grapeseed oil. These alternatives have high smoke points and provide a neutral taste that won't overpower the garlic.
Is this sauce suitable for vegans?
Yes, this garlic pasta sauce is completely vegan as it contains no animal products. You can enhance it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy if desired.
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).