Spicy Tomato-Artichoke Sauce Over Pasta *
A vibrant, spicy tomato-artichoke sauce with fresh herbs and bold flavors, perfect for pasta lovers seeking a hearty, vegetarian Italian-inspired dish with a kick.
Ingredients
- 4 lb. ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) jars marinated artichoke hearts ⓘ
- 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 c. yellow onions, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. dried basil
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 Tbsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Italian parsley, finely chopped
- dash of red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. whole black peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel, seed (squeezing out excess juice), and chop the tomatoes.
- Drain the artichoke hearts and reserve the marinade.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onions, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, and red pepper flakes over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Crush the black peppercorns and add them to the onion mixture.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the sauce; season with about 1 teaspoon of salt and simmer, uncovered, over medium heat for 1 hour.
- Add the reserved artichoke marinade and simmer, stirring often, for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the artichokes and continue to simmer until the sauce is thick, about 20 minutes more.
- Stir in Romano cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your sauce, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too acidic. For a bit more heat, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if available, with a general rule of using three times the amount of fresh herbs. This sauce also makes a great base for Italian recipes like Renae'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spicy tomato-artichoke sauce over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Ellie'S Fettuccine or can be served alongside a fresh salad and crusty bread for a complete dinner. For added richness, sprinkle freshly grated Romano cheese on top before serving, and consider a glass of red wine to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Tomato-Artichoke Sauce Over Pasta * contains roughly 1596 calories, with 32g protein, 218g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (466% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 606mg per serving (26% 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 tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes for convenience. Opt for whole peeled tomatoes or crushed tomatoes, and adjust the salt accordingly since canned varieties can be more seasoned. This will save you time while still delivering a flavorful sauce.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This spicy tomato-artichoke sauce is vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect choice for those following vegetarian recipes. It’s packed with flavor from the tomatoes and artichokes, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
How can I make this sauce less spicy?
To reduce the spice level, simply decrease the amount of red pepper flakes you use or omit them entirely. Additionally, you can add a bit more olive oil or a touch of sugar to balance the heat, ensuring a milder flavor without sacrificing the sauce's richness.
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).