Tuscan Tomato Pasta Sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce inspired by the heart of Italy’s culinary traditions. This sauce is a delightful blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil, creating the perfect harmony of flavors.
Unlike regular tomato sauces, Tuscan Tomato Pasta Sauce often incorporates a touch of red wine and a hint of garlic to elevate the taste, reflecting the robust and rustic character of Tuscan cuisine.
The slow simmering process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a thick, vibrant sauce that’s ideal for pasta dishes or even as a base for other Italian recipes.
Whether you’re aiming for an authentic Italian meal or simply want to enhance your favorite pasta, this sauce adds depth and richness that’s truly unmatched.
How To Make Tuscan Tomato Pasta Sauce?
Preparation Times: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: 4-6 servings
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for carrots)
- Wooden spoon
- Handheld blender (optional for a smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 10 fresh, ripe tomatoes (San Marzano or Roma, peeled and chopped)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme sprigs)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for added depth)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (optional, for a richer sauce)
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Step-1. Sauté the vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, grated carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and meld together.
Step-2. Add herbs and tomatoes
Once the vegetables are soft, stir in oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Cook for about 1 minute until the herbs release their fragrance.
Step-3. Simmer the tomatoes
Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes to the skillet, and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and, if needed, a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. For a richer texture sometimes, you can add tomato paste.
Step-4. Pour in the wine (Optional)
For extra depth, pour in dry white wine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the wine to evaporate and infuse the sauce with a subtle complexity.
Step-5. Simmer and blend
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a handheld blender to puree it to your desired consistency or you can leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
Step-6. Stir in fresh basil
In the last few minutes of cooking, add the torn basil leaves. Stir to combine and let the basil infuse the sauce with its fresh aroma.
Step-7. Serve
Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. The richness of the cheese enhances the flavors of the sauce perfectly.
Nutrition Facts Of Tuscan Tomato Pasta Sauce
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pasta Dish
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
Garlic Bread Pairing
Pair the sauce with warm garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into the rich, savory tomato sauce.
Tuscan-Inspired Pizza
Use the sauce as a base for homemade pizza. Spread it over your pizza dough and top with mozzarella, fresh basil, and your choice of toppings like mushrooms, olives, or Italian sausage.
Hearty Meatballs
Serve the Tuscan Tomato Sauce with homemade meatballs for a comforting dish.
Tips and Variations
Make it vegan: Skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
Meat Lover’s Option: Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a hearty, meaty version.
Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add zucchini or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
Special Note
For the best results, let the sauce simmer slowly. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, enhancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the fragrance of the garlic and herbs.
FAQS
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes if you’re short on time or out of fresh ones. I recommend using whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor.
How long does the sauce last in the fridge?
The sauce will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, I often freeze it in batches. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Tuscan tomato pasta sauce brings the authentic flavors of Italy to your kitchen. It’s simple, hearty, and adaptable to suit your taste.
With fresh ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a sauce that will elevate any pasta dish. I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.
Tuscan Tomato Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for carrots)
- Wooden spoon
- Handheld blender (optional for a smoother sauce)
Ingredients
- 10 fresh ripe tomatoes (San Marzano or Roma, peeled and chopped)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 medium carrots grated
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sugar optional, to balance acidity
- 1/2 cup dry white wine optional, for added depth
- 1/4 cup tomato paste optional, for a richer sauce
- Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic, grated carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and meld together.
- Once the vegetables are soft, stir in oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Cook for about 1 minute until the herbs release their fragrance.
- Add the peeled and chopped tomatoes to the skillet, and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and, if needed, a tablespoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. For a richer texture sometimes, you can add tomato paste.
- For extra depth, pour in dry white wine. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the wine to evaporate and infuse the sauce with a subtle complexity.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use a handheld blender to puree it to your desired consistency or you can leave it chunky for a rustic feel.
- In the last few minutes of cooking, add the torn basil leaves. Stir to combine and let the basil infuse the sauce with its fresh aroma.
- Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta, topped with freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese. The richness of the cheese enhances the flavors of the sauce perfectly.
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.