Pasta Red Sauce
A rich, flavorful red sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a hint of red wine, perfect for hearty pasta dishes and suitable for casual or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan.
- Cook slowly for 1 hour to blend flavors.
- Pour over your favorite pasta and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of tomato paste or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the crushed tomatoes. If fresh mushrooms aren't available, dried mushrooms can be rehydrated and used instead. Adjust the crushed red pepper to your heat preference, or try adding some Italian seasoning for more complexity. This sauce pairs beautifully with Cherry Tomato Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious pasta red sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side of Sauteed Broccoli Italiano or a fresh garden salad dressed with Sunny Italy Salad Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pasta red sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Red Sauce contains roughly 103 calories, with 5g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, you'll need about 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the saucepan. This may alter the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the flavors meld well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this pasta red sauce is entirely plant-based and suitable for vegans. All the ingredients are derived from plants, making it a great choice for those following vegan recipes. Just ensure that any pasta you use is also vegan-friendly.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To add more heat to your pasta red sauce, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile. Always taste as you go to find your preferred spice level.
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).