Imagine transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious pasta sauce that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests swoon! This Italian-inspired red wine pasta sauce is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that brings the warmth of a Tuscan kitchen right to your dining table. With just a few carefully selected ingredients and some kitchen magic, you'll create a sauce so rich and complex, it'll feel like you've been secretly trained by a master Italian chef.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Red wine
- Tomato sauce
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: red wine, tomato sauce, garlic, onion, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
- Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Set them aside. This will help to release their flavors more effectively when cooked.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about a minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and slightly golden. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
- Pour in 1 cup of red wine, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Allow the wine to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.
- Once the wine has reduced, add 2 cups of tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and add salt and pepper to taste. Start with about ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, adjusting as needed.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have developed, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious red wine pasta sauce!
Tips
- Wine Selection Matters: Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. The quality of wine directly impacts the sauce's depth of flavor.
- Low and Slow is the Key: Simmer the sauce on low heat to allow the flavors to develop and marry beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Are Your Best Friend: Use freshly minced garlic and recently purchased herbs for the most vibrant taste.
- Don't Rush the Reduction: When simmering the wine, take your time to let it reduce and concentrate its flavors.
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce's consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Grate Parmesan Fresh: Use a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the most intense flavor and best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
