Best 9 Rich Italian Pasta Sauce Recipes

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Italy is world renowned for its sumptuous and diverse cuisine and a primary reason is its remarkable pasta dishes. A critical component in such dishes is a mouthwatering sauce, and the Italian culture has mastered the art of crafting rich and flavorful pasta sauces. Some sauces are simple combinations of a few ingredients, while others are more intricate compositions that tell a story of Italian tradition. In this article, we will explore some of the best recipes for making rich Italian pasta sauces, encompassing the classic flavors that have made Italian cuisine a global favorite. We will delve into the secrets of creating sauces that bring out the true essence of Italian cooking, transforming a simple pasta dish into a culinary masterpiece.

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

GREAT GRANDMA'S PASTA SAUCE



Great Grandma's Pasta Sauce image

If you want to taste what the Italians are so blessed with over in Italy, I suggest you give this pasta sauce a try. You won't ever go back to your plain 'ol marinara that you thought was good. This sauce here is beyond genuine and you will love it!

Provided by Julie Chiou

Categories     Main Course     Main Entree

Time 2h10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound 80/20 ground beef OR 90/10 ground beef
6 ounce can tomato paste
6 ounce water
24 ounce jar tomato puree
5-6 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Pinch of dried oregano
Pinch of onion powder
Pinch of garlic powder
Handful of fresh basil (chopped)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, saute garlic until soft and fragrant in 2 tbsp. of olive oil, about 2 minutes.
  • Throw your meat in with the garlic and brown until meat has been thoroughly cooked through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Pour in the tomato paste, tomato puree, and seasoning, including the fresh basil and sugar. Stir to mix well. With the 6 oz. can from the tomato paste, fill that with water and pour it in the stockpot as well.
  • Let mixture simmer, uncovered, for 2 or more hours (the longer the better, but minimum 2 hours), stirring occasionally.
  • Serve hot over fresh pasta.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 263 kcal, Carbohydrate 24 g, Protein 23 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 15 g

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

RICH ITALIAN PASTA SAUCE



Rich Italian Pasta Sauce image

"I got this recipe 25 years ago from my boyfriend's Italian barber. I've adjusted it a little and now it's my specialty," writes Jeannie Peirce of Brentwood, California. Whip it up for dinner tonight and freeze any remaing sauce for later.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 2h20m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3/4 pound hot Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (15 ounces each) tomato sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1-2/3 cups crushed tomatoes in puree
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1-1/2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Hot cooked pasta

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef and onion until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. , Add the tomato sauce, stewed tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar and pepper. Stir in sausage. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. , Stir in parsley and oregano. Serve desired amount with pasta. Cool remaining sauce; transfer to freezer containers. Freeze for up to 3 months., To use frozen sauce: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Place in a saucepan and heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 8g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 721mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

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).

ITALIAN TOMATO SAUCE



Italian tomato sauce image

Perfect for bolognese, pasta bakes and pizza sauce

Provided by phuddy48

Time 45m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 0

Steps:

  • Heat the Olive oil in a Large frying pan/Skillet until very hot.
  • Add onions and stir until soft and slightly brown.Turn down the heat and add the garlic and Red wine. Leave for 1-2 mins.
  • Add tomatoes, basil, oregano, and bay leaves, turn the heat down and leave to simmer for approx 5 mins stirring occasionally. If using fresh tomatoes allow them to reduce slowly, this will take approx 20 mins.
  • Once mixture has simmered add puree and stir in, simmer for a further 5 mins.
  • Remove from the heat and cool. Sauce can be refrigerated for use later on, If using for Pizza topping use a blender until smooth and spread on pizza using the back of a spoon. If using for bolognese, brown mince and add when ready.

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

WORLD'S BEST PASTA SAUCE!



World's Best Pasta Sauce! image

Well, my Lasagna has become quite popular, and I think the sauce from that makes amazing meat sauce as well. So I thought I would post it by its self.

Provided by John Chandler

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

Time 1h45m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound sweet Italian sausage, sliced
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
½ teaspoon fennel seed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the sausage, beef, onion, and garlic until well browned; drain fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Mix in sugar and season with basil, fennel seed, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157.4 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 24 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.1 g, Sodium 672.8 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

WEDDING GIFT SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Wedding Gift Spaghetti Sauce image

This recipe was given to me as part of a wedding gift recipe collection from a very dear friend. It is rich, aromatic, flavorful and makes A LOT. So please grab the biggest pot you can find. I mean REALLY BIG. Extra sauce freezes well for future pasta dishes.

Provided by Dog Fish Head aka Fabius

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

Time 2h40m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 14

½ cup butter
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 pound mild sausage
4 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
76 fluid ounces water
1 (29 ounce) can tomato puree
3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste

Steps:

  • Heat butter and olive oil together with onion and garlic in a large pot over medium heat; cook and stir ground beef and sausage in the onion mixture until browned and crumbly, 10 to 15 minutes. Stir Italian seasoning, salt, rosemary, oregano, and black pepper into ground beef-sausage mixture; simmer for 20 minutes.
  • Pour water, tomato puree, and tomato paste into ground beef-sausage mixture; simmer, stirring occasionally, over low heat until flavors have combined, at least 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137.2 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 26.1 mg, Fat 10.2 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 564 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

HEARTY HOMEMADE ITALIAN SPAGHETTI SAUCE



Hearty Homemade Italian Spaghetti Sauce image

Thick, rich, meaty sauce loaded with the flavors of Italy! I finally wrote it down as I went along! PLEASE don't let the list of ingredients scare you off, it's really VERY easy!! You'll never buy "those jars" again! :)

Provided by Wildflour

Categories     Sauces

Time 1h5m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 1/2 lbs hamburger
1 lb ground mild Italian sausage
1 large onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon whole fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
3 (15 ounce) cans Hunts tomato sauce
1 (14 ounce) can delmonte original stewed tomatoes
1 (6 ounce) can Contadina tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon packed dark brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
1/8-1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste (optional)
1 (8 ounce) cont. fresh sliced mushrooms

Steps:

  • In large mixing bowl, combine well with hands the 2 meats.
  • Add to deep, large non-stick skillet. *If not using non-stick pan, add a little olive oil to pan first so it won't stick.
  • Sprinkle EVENLY rest of meat mixture ingredients over meats. Stir meats to mix in herbs and spices.
  • Cook over medium heat til meat is no longer pink. Break up meat as you go along, but just don't overdo it. You don't want tiny, overly fine pieces.
  • Drain grease.
  • Pour into large heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Add rest of ingredients EXCEPT mushrooms, and stir/fold to mix well.
  • Now add the mushrooms! :).
  • Heat over medium heat til simmering.
  • Lower heat to just a simmer and cook, stirring every so often, for about 30 minutes.
  • Serve over hot, cooked and well drained spaghetti, thin spaghetti, mostaccioli, or rotini noodles.
  • Serve with tossed salad, garlic bread and parmesan cheese on the side if desired. ENJOY!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 625.2, Fat 34.7, SaturatedFat 12.3, Cholesterol 119.2, Sodium 2590.4, Carbohydrate 37.2, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 21.4, Protein 44.4

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sauce will be. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh herbs.
  • Don't skimp on the garlic: Garlic is essential for a flavorful pasta sauce. Use at least two cloves of garlic, and don't be afraid to add more if you like.
  • Cook the sauce slowly: Simmering the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop and deepen. Don't rush this step!
  • Season the sauce to taste: Every palate is different, so taste the sauce as you cook it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs.
  • Serve the sauce with your favorite pasta: Pasta is the perfect canvas for a rich Italian pasta sauce. Choose a pasta that will hold up well to the sauce, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni.

Conclusion:

With a little time and effort, you can make a delicious Italian pasta sauce at home. Just follow these tips and you'll be sure to impress your family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

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