Rustic Pasta Sauce
Transform your pasta nights with this hearty and flavorful Rustic Pasta Sauce, a classic Italian-inspired recipe bursting with wholesome ingredients. Crafted with love, this sauce combines the natural sweetness of finely grated carrots and chopped celery with the bold umami of crushed tomatoes and a touch of caramelized tomato paste. Seasoned to perfection with dried oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, the slow simmer creates a rich, velvety texture that’s both comforting and robust. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and torn basil leaves, this sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta or works as a versatile base for your favorite Italian dishes. Ready in just an hour, it's the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 stalk celery stalk, finely chopped
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor.
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly to combine.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid, leaving a small gap to let steam escape.
Simmer the sauce for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.
Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and torn basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serve the rustic pasta sauce warm over your favorite cooked pasta or use it as a base for other Italian dishes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
682 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.7 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 164 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.3 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.2 g | ||
| Protein | 11.2 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 234 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 2226 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
