Introducing the Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce, a culinary classic that combines the natural sweetness and tanginess of Roma tomatoes with a blend of simple yet vibrant ingredients.
Known for their dense flesh and rich flavor, Roma tomatoes create a sauce that is both hearty and smooth, perfect for elevating your favorite pasta dishes.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick weekday dinner or preparing a gourmet meal for loved ones, this sauce serves as a versatile base that’s sure to impress.
With every bite, you’ll taste the essence of fresh, garden-picked tomatoes brought to life by fragrant herbs and a touch of garlic.
Simple to make yet bursting with flavor, this Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.
How To Make Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: 4 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for the carrot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 10-12 ripe Roma tomatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, grated (secret sweetness boost)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for richness)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup water (as needed to adjust consistency)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step-1. Prepare the tomatoes
Begin by peeling and seeding the Roma tomatoes. Dice them into chunky pieces and set them aside. If the tomatoes are particularly juicy, drain some of the excess liquid to maintain the sauce’s texture.
Step-2. Sauté the garlic
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step-3. Add the carrot
Stir in the grated carrot which adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the carrot soften and blend with the garlic.
Step-4. Tomatoes and tomato paste
Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, followed by the tomato paste. Stir everything together, allowing the tomato paste to incorporate into the mix, deepening the flavor.
Step-5. Season the sauce
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), oregano, and a pinch of salt. If your tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor. Stir well.
Step-6. Simmer and adjust consistency
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step-7. Finish with fresh herbs
Just before turning off the heat, stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step-8. Garnish and serve
Serve your Roma tomato pasta sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts Of Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
Classic pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta, and top it with fresh basil and parmesan for a simple, delicious meal.
Pizza base: Use it as a pizza sauce, adding your favorite toppings like mozzarella, mushrooms, and pepperoni.
Dipping sauce: Serve it as a dip for garlic bread or mozzarella sticks.
Lasagna layer: Layer it between pasta sheets, ricotta, and meat or veggies for a flavorful lasagna.
Baked chicken: Pour over baked chicken breasts and sprinkle with mozzarella for a hearty, comforting dish.
Tips and Variations
Adjusting consistency
If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to blend it to your liking. I usually keep mine chunky for a more rustic feel.
Add depth with wine
Adding a splash of red wine before simmering can add depth to the sauce. Just be sure to let it cool off for a few minutes to avoid a strong alcohol taste.
Make it vegan-friendly
This sauce is naturally vegan if you skip the Parmesan cheese at the end. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Special Note
If the sauce is too thick for your liking, thin it out with some pasta water or vegetable stock. Conversely, if it’s too watery, let it simmer uncovered for longer to evaporate excess liquid.
FAQS
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh Roma tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes if fresh Roma tomatoes are not available. However, fresh tomatoes will give a more vibrant and natural flavor.
How long can I store this sauce?
You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Is the sugar necessary?
The sugar is optional and used to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. If your tomatoes are very sweet you might not need it.
Conclusion
This Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce is a classic that never fails to impress. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
Whether you’re serving it over pasta, using it in casseroles, or as a dip, it brings the fresh taste of Italy right to your kitchen.
The secret sweetness from the grated carrot and the rich flavor of the tomato paste makes it extra special.
Roma Tomato Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Grater (for the carrot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Ingredients
- 10-12 ripe Roma tomatoes about 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium carrot grated (secret sweetness boost)
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste for richness
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup water as needed to adjust consistency
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and seeding the Roma tomatoes. Dice them into chunky pieces and set them aside. If the tomatoes are particularly juicy, drain some of the excess liquid to maintain the sauce’s texture.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the grated carrot which adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the carrot soften and blend with the garlic.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the pan, followed by the tomato paste. Stir everything together, allowing the tomato paste to incorporate into the mix, deepening the flavor.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), oregano, and a pinch of salt. If your tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor. Stir well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Just before turning off the heat, stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Serve your Roma tomato pasta sauce over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.