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
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Peel, seed, and dice your Roma tomatoes until they’re ready to shine.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add grated carrot for a natural sweetness boost.
3. Add Depth & Spice
Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and sugar to balance acidity. Let it mingle for 1–2 minutes.
4. Let the Tomatoes Take Over
Add diced Roma tomatoes and a splash of water if needed. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Fresh Herb Finale
Just before turning off the heat, mix in fresh basil and adjust salt to taste.
6. Serve & Savor
Toss with your favorite pasta, garnish with parsley, and sprinkle Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
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.
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
- Peel, seed, and dice your Roma tomatoes until they’re ready to shine.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add grated carrot for a natural sweetness boost.
- Stir in tomato paste, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and sugar to balance acidity. Let it mingle for 1–2 minutes.
- Add diced Roma tomatoes and a splash of water if needed. Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Just before turning off the heat, mix in fresh basil and adjust salt to taste.
- Toss with your favorite pasta, garnish with parsley, and sprinkle Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
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.