Best 7 Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce Recipes

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Welcome to the world of authentic Italian pasta sauce, where flavors dance together to create a symphony of taste. With a legacy spanning centuries, Italian pasta sauce has become an integral part of the global culinary landscape, beloved for its versatility, simplicity, and ability to transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary dishes. In this article, we embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of crafting the perfect Italian pasta sauce, guiding you through the selection of the finest ingredients, the art of balancing flavors, and the techniques to achieve a rich, authentic flavor that will transport you to the heart of Italy with every bite.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

HOMEMADE ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE RECIPE



Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce Recipe image

Here is my family spaghetti sauce recipe passed down from my grandmother in Italy - it is the best one you will ever cook - don't trust me - try it!

Provided by Lauren Cobello

Time 3h20m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 TSBP olive oil
1/2 onion (finely chopped)
4 cloves of garlic (minced)
3 28 oz. cans of Crushed Tomatoes
1 Tbsp Salt
4 Tbsp Basil
1 tsp Black pepper
1 Tbsp Sugar (optional)
1/3 cup Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a 5+ qt. pot over medium heat, and add the onion.
  • Saute for 10 minutes or so, stirring often and being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the chopped or pressed garlic.
  • Heat for another one to two minutes, making sure not to burn the garlic, then add all the tomatoes, salt, black pepper, basil, and sugar. Stirring often, bring to a low boil.
  • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours stirring often.
  • For the first half of the simmer time, do so with the pot uncovered, then cover.
  • Add the cheese, stir in and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or so.
  • This will make the equivalent of 4-5 jars of sauce, and the cost is probably about half (and it tastes way better).

AUTHENTIC (QUICK) ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE FOR PASTA



Authentic (Quick) Italian Tomato Sauce for Pasta image

NOTE: To enjoy with pasta as soon as the sauce is ready, put a large pot of salted water on the cooktop over high heat and cook the pasta (I prefer De Cecco) as directed (if you are using egg or a very quick cooking pasta, do this about half-way through these directions).

Provided by Christina Conte

Categories     Main Courses

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 to 5 cloves fresh garlic (not in a jar, dried, powdered, or frozen) preferably grown in USA/Europe
small bunch of fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped (my family likes to use parsley in sugo)
1 (28-32 oz) about 800g carton/jar of whole, chopped tomatoes or puree (like Mutti, or Bionaturae) any tomatoes listed on the Greatest Tomatoes from Europe site will be fantastic or about 1 lb of fresh tomatoes (San Marzano, Roma or cherry tomatoes are great)
about 1 1/2 level tsp sea salt
3 or 4 large leaves of fresh basil, more to add to each plate, if desired
Parmigiano Reggiano to grate on top

Steps:

  • Pour the oil into a large saute pan (not a deep pot) over medium high heat. Crush the garlic and add it to the oil (if you want a spicy sauce, you can add some hot pepper, fresh or flakes, at this point). Saute the garlic until it just starts to brown, then add the parsley.
  • Turn the heat up to high. Now add the tomatoes, and quickly cover with the lid for about 30 seconds, until the squirting subsides. Stir with a wooden spoon and lower the heat a little. It is important that this sauce is cooked at a fast simmer, as it is cooked briefly.
  • Add the salt and continue to simmer at a fast pace, and stir often.
  • The sauce will thicken quickly, so do not overcook it, and have it become too thick; about 5 to 7 minutes should be sufficient.
  • Taste the sauce, if it doesn't taste delicious, it probably just needs a little more salt. Turn off the heat and add the fresh basil (I tear mine into pieces). Also, unless absolutely necessary, do not wash your basil. Wipe it with a damp paper towel instead, so the water doesn't ruin the flavor and aroma.
  • Add sauce to the drained pasta (save some pasta water to add back into the pasta in case it's too dry), and enjoy immediately with some freshly grated authentic Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and/or pepper.
  • Also, if you've been plating pasta in a bowl, then topping it with sauce, this is American-style. If you want to serve it the way they do in Italy, mix the sauce in and then plate it.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 135 calories, Carbohydrate 8 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 1 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 12 grams fat, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 2 grams protein, SaturatedFat 2 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 4, Sodium 498 milligrams sodium, Sugar 4 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat

OLD WORLD ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Old World Italian Spaghetti Sauce image

This is a great old world Family recipe. Its also great with italian sausage,or meatballs. Just stir often while cooking when using meats.

Provided by FarahC

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h25m

Yield 12-14 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (28 ounce) can tomato puree
2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup onion, chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 1/2 cups water

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot on low-med heat add your olive oil and saute your onions for about 4 minutes,then add your crushed garlic,cook for 2 minutes longer. Then add your water,and tomato products. Be sure to mix everything very well.Add in your spices,and cheese. cook for 2 1/2 hours covered.Then add in your wine, and cook 30 minutes longer. Sauce will be thin on first day.Also if you use meat it will alter thickness.The second day this turns into a nice thick sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.6, Fat 5.2, SaturatedFat 1, Cholesterol 1.8, Sodium 647.1, Carbohydrate 25.2, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 9.7, Protein 5.5

ITALIAN PASTA SAUCE



Italian Pasta Sauce image

I picked up this recipe when I lived in Italy; everyone loves it. Thought it was time to share! The Merlot and chicken granules are very important ingredients that set this recipes aside from other sauces.

Provided by Celeste Debruzzi

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 1h15m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 (28 ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
¾ cup Merlot wine
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
3 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
3 tablespoons dried basil leaves
3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in hot oil until the onion is translucent, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Sit tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, chicken bouillon granules, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper with the onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cook at a simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 hour.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 63.5 calories, Carbohydrate 10.1 g, Cholesterol 0.1 mg, Fat 1.2 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 2.4 g, SaturatedFat 0.2 g, Sodium 788.1 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

SUGO DI POMODORO (AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE)



Sugo di Pomodoro (Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce) image

This is a basic recipe for authentic Italian tomato sauce flavored with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic and basil. Toss with your favorite pasta or use for pizza, gnocchi and more.

Provided by SilviaG

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, halved
2 (14 ounce) cans passata (crushed tomatoes)
¼ cup fresh basil, torn in half
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook and stir until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add passata, basil, and salt. Cover and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until tomato sauce has thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove garlic halves before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 152 calories, Carbohydrate 20.8 g, Fat 7.4 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 4.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, Sodium 303.6 mg, Sugar 2.4 g

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE



Authentic Italian Tomato Sauce image

This is a recipe I got from my father who got it from a little old lady he knew from Italy. I always simmer this sauce with my meatballs (recipe posted). You can also add sausage if you like. This sauce is to die for!!!!

Provided by InMemoryofBrats

Categories     Sauces

Time 3h20m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 (28 ounce) cans tomato puree
1 (28 ounce) can peeled plum tomatoes
2 cloves garlic
1 small onion, diced
6 cloves
1 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated cheese

Steps:

  • In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
  • Empty plum tomatoes into large bowl and squash with your hands.
  • Add all ingredients (including any meatballs or sausage you want to add) to pot and simmer for 3 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145.4, Fat 6.6, SaturatedFat 1.2, Cholesterol 1.8, Sodium 308.8, Carbohydrate 21, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 12.6, Protein 4

ITALIAN PASTA SAUCE



Italian Pasta Sauce image

As a special part of their wedding buffet, my daughter Kris' husband fixed a big batch of this thick flavorful pasta sauce. The recipe was brought by his grandmother from Italy more than 80 years ago. -Judy Braun, Juneau, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h55m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 pounds ground beef
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 celery ribs, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes in puree
3 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
3 cups chicken or beef broth
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
3/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon sugar
2 to 3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
Hot cooked pasta

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook beef in 2 batches over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. Cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set aside. In the same pan, saute onion, celery and garlic in oil until vegetables are tender. , Return the beef and sausage to the pan. Add the next 9 ingredients, including allspice if desired, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until sauce reaches desired thickness, stirring occasionally, 2-3 hours. Serve over pasta.Freeze option: Freeze cooled sauce in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 15g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 821mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will have a big impact on the flavor of your sauce. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan. When you're cooking the sauce, don't overcrowd the pan. This will cause the sauce to steam instead of fry, which will result in a bland flavor.
  • Cook the sauce slowly. The best pasta sauces are cooked slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
  • Season the sauce to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. Be careful not to overseason the sauce, as this can overwhelm the other flavors.
  • Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta. Pasta sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of pastas. Choose a pasta that will hold up well to the sauce, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.

Conclusion:

Authentic Italian pasta sauce is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a pasta sauce that will impress your friends and family. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give authentic Italian pasta sauce a try. You won't be disappointed!

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