Pizzaiola Sauce
A vibrant Italian-style tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes, perfect for pairing with spaghetti for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Add halved garlic cloves and sauté until golden. Remove and discard garlic.
- Add canned tomatoes and squash with a fork.
- Stir in basil leaves, oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, and red crushed pepper.
- Cook until the sauce comes to a boil.
- Lower heat to a medium simmer and cook uncovered for 15 to 25 minutes.
- Serve over cooked spaghetti with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic. If you're short on time, you can substitute dried basil for fresh, using about 1 teaspoon. To enhance the garlic flavor without the hassle of frying, consider incorporating garlic powder into the sauce. For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of red crushed pepper to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
This pizzaiola sauce pairs beautifully with cooked spaghetti, but it can also be served over zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Complement the dish with a side of garlic bread or a Cool & Colorful Salad for a refreshing contrast. Adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor profile and creates a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pizzaiola sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizzaiola Sauce contains roughly 381 calories, with 30g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (202% of the Daily Value), iron (133% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2320mg per serving (101% 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
What can I serve with pizzaiola sauce?
Besides spaghetti, consider pairing pizzaiola sauce with grilled chicken or eggplant for a hearty meal. It also works well as a topping for 'Lo-Cal' Pizza And Bread Dough, making for a delicious homemade pizza.
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).