This Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a deliciously rich and aromatic sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for your favorite Italian dishes. With the tangy sweetness of tomatoes, the depth of red wine, and the freshness of basil, this sauce delivers a flavor-packed experience in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile: Use it for pasta, pizza, lasagna, or as a dipping sauce.
- Rich in Flavor: The combination of red wine and basil brings out an authentic Italian taste.
- Easy to Make: A simple recipe that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
- Customizable: Adjust the herbs, wine, or seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a large batch and store it for quick meals later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Dry red wine
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Italian seasoning
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste, cooking it briefly to enhance its flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and red wine, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add freshly chopped basil leaves in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a pinch of sugar if needed to balance the acidity.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 4–6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Vegan: Ensure the wine is vegan-friendly and skip the optional sugar if non-vegan.
- Chunky: Use diced tomatoes instead of crushed for a chunkier texture.
- Herbed: Add thyme or oregano for an extra layer of herbal flavor.
- Meaty: Stir in cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a hearty sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through.
FAQs
How do I choose the best wine for this recipe?
Use a dry red wine, like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for a rich flavor.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, substitute the wine with vegetable or chicken broth, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, peel and chop fresh tomatoes, then cook them down until they resemble a crushed texture.
How do I make this sauce thicker?
Simmer it longer to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more tomato paste.
Is it okay to double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you have a large enough pot to prevent splattering.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would complement this sauce well.
What pasta pairs best with this sauce?
Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work wonderfully with this sauce.
How do I make it less acidic?
A pinch of sugar or a splash of cream can help balance the acidity.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as the wine you use is also certified gluten-free.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh basil provides a more vibrant flavor. If using dried basil, use about 1 teaspoon.
Conclusion
This Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that adds a gourmet touch to any meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, its rich taste and versatility will make it a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and bring a bit of Italy to your table!
PrintWine Tomato Basil Sauce
This flavorful Wine Tomato Basil Sauce is the perfect addition to pasta, pizza, or any Italian-inspired dish. Made with ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a splash of wine for depth, this sauce is simple yet packed with rich flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or gourmet meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dry red or white wine (choose your preference)
- 28 oz canned whole tomatoes, crushed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onions, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Pour in the wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate while scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano if using.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm over pasta, or use as a base for your favorite dishes. Garnish with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of wine based on your taste preference.
- The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.