Authentic Pasta Sauce Recipe

Discover the secret to the best pasta sauce you'll ever taste! This family heirloom recipe, passed down through generations, is bursting with flavor. We've enhanced the classic recipe with juicy meatballs, spicy pepperoni, and sweet Italian sausage for a truly unforgettable experience. Feel free to add grilled chicken, rabbit, pork chops, or steak for an even more decadent meal (served on the side). This recipe easily serves 1 pound of pasta, but adjust to your needs. Freezes beautifully for future enjoyment!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 150 mins
Calories 399 kcal
Protein 42g
Rating 4.0 (4 Reviews)
Authentic Pasta Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Pasta Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Pork Spareribs
  • Onion
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Plum Tomatoes
  • 6 ounces tomato paste
  • Water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper
  • Dry Oregano
  • Garlic Powder
  • Fennel Seeds

How to Make Authentic Pasta Sauce

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  2. Add the onions (1 medium, chopped) and bell peppers (1 medium, chopped) and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes (28 ounces), tomato paste (6 ounces), and tomato sauce (15 ounces).
  4. Add the Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon), oregano (1 teaspoon), basil (1 teaspoon), salt (1 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
  6. While the sauce simmers, prepare your meatballs, pepperoni, and sausages according to package directions. You can also cook any additional protein like chicken, rabbit, pork chops, or steak during this time.
  7. After 1 hour, add the meatballs (1 pound), pepperoni (4-6 ounces, cut into 2-inch chunks), and sweet and hot Italian sausages (1 pound, removed from casings).
  8. Simmer for another 30-45 minutes, or until the meatballs and sausages are cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  9. Serve over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

23 g

Sugar

23g

Fat

53g

Carbs

3g

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