Off The Boat Sicilian Pasta Sauce Recipe

A taste of Sicily! This authentic pasta sauce recipe, passed down through generations in a small town north of Palermo, delivers rich, flavorful goodness without sacrificing your diet. Discover the secrets to this simple yet extraordinary sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, this versatile recipe will become a new family favorite.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 85 mins
Calories 148.5 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Off The Boat Sicilian Pasta Sauce 100

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Off The Boat Sicilian Pasta Sauce

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (one 28-ounce can)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • pasta, according to package directions
  • 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • sautéed cauliflower florets (optional)
  • asparagus spears (optional)
  • 1/2 pound browned ground beef (optional)

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How to Make Off The Boat Sicilian Pasta Sauce

  1. Finely chop 1/2 medium yellow onion (about 1/2 cup chopped).
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Pour in 28 ounces (one 28-ounce can) of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
  4. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper (or to taste).
  6. Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
  7. While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to package directions.
  8. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  9. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  10. Serve immediately, topped with an extra spoonful of sauce. Enjoy!
  11. Optional additions: Sautéed cauliflower florets, asparagus spears, or browned ground beef (1/2 pound) can be added to the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

66 g

Sugar

56g

Fat

3g

Carbs

8g