Gilbert'S Garden Pasta Sauce
Gilbert's Garden Pasta Sauce is a hearty, vegetable-rich tomato-based sauce infused with fragrant herbs and savory prosciutto, perfect for serving over hot cooked pasta. Its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients make it ideal for family dinners and casual gatherings, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes, undrained and crushed ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli flowerets, cauliflowerets, diagonally sliced carrots, bamboo shoots)
- 2 c. chopped Prosciutto ham ⓘ
- 1 c. grated fresh Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onions and garlic in hot oil for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, chopped prosciutto, grated Romano cheese, oregano, basil, rosemary, salt, and light brown sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
- Serve over hot cooked mostaccioli pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using roasted garlic instead of raw. If you don't have fresh vegetables, frozen mixed veggies work well too. You can substitute prosciutto with pancetta for a different taste. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of tomato paste. Pair this dish with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta sauce over hot cooked mostaccioli for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. For an added touch, sprinkle extra grated Romano cheese on top. This sauce can also be used in recipes like Creamy Mostaccioli With Snap Peas for a delightful variation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gilbert'S Garden Pasta Sauce contains roughly 544 calories, with 16g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 canned vegetables instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned vegetables, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your sauce. Keep in mind that canned veggies may be softer, so add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
What can I substitute for Romano cheese?
If you can't find Romano cheese, Parmesan makes an excellent substitute with a similar flavor profile. You can also try Pecorino cheese for a saltier option. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat when you're ready to serve and it will taste even better as the flavors meld together.
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).