Mouth-Watering Pasta Sauce Recipe with Red Wine
Wine and pasta are undoubtedly two of the most heavenly things on earth, and what’s better than combining them together in a divine dish? Today, I’m going to introduce you to a recipe that will make your taste buds sing: Pasta Sauce with Red Wine!
This is so much more than just another pasta sauce recipe. The boldness of red wine adds richness and depth of flavor, creating a luxurious base that makes this pasta sauce stand out.
You might be wondering why add wine to pasta sauce? Well, my friend, the answer is simple: it takes the sauce from ordinary to extraordinary. Cooking with wine is a great way to add some extra oomph to your dishes.
The key to making a wonderful pasta sauce with red wine is finding the right balance between the acidity and sweetness of tomatoes and the bitterness of red wine. When done right, it results in a vibrant flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
So, whether you’re an aspiring home chef or already a seasoned one, this pasta sauce recipe is sure to become one of your go-to meals. Trust me when I say that everyone at the dinner table will be raving about it. So let’s get started and make this sublime dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for an easy yet sophisticated pasta dish to impress your dinner guests? Look no further than this pasta sauce with red wine recipe! This sauce is packed with depth of flavor and features the rich and robust taste of red wine.
One of the reasons you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. It can be paired with a variety of different types of pasta, from spaghetti to rigatoni, and can even be used as a base for meat sauce or tomato cream sauce. Plus, it’s a great option if you have a half-empty bottle of red wine that you’re not sure what to do with.
But the real star of this pasta sauce is the red wine. Not only does it add depth of flavor to the sauce, but it also brings health benefits to the table. Red wine is rich in antioxidants and can improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of flavorful ingredients such as garlic, onion, and tomatoes plus some spices and ground beef or button mushrooms, this sauce comes together easily in just under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking but still want a delicious meal.
So, whether you’re looking for an impressive date-night dish or a simple weeknight meal, this pasta sauce with red wine is sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Give it a try and see why it’s become a staple in my recipe collection!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious red wine pasta sauce recipe:
Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
- 8 oz. button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 28 oz. can of whole peeled tomatoes in juice, crushed by hand
- 2 cups dry red wine, such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp ground oregano
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 pound spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
Make sure to use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. For the red wine, you can substitute it with white wine if you prefer a lighter taste. You can also use tomato sauce instead of canned tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Don’t forget the salt and pepper which are essential for balancing flavors. Once you’ve gathered all the ingredients it’s time to start cooking!
The Recipe How-To
To start with, heat a large pot over medium heat before pouring the olive oil. When heated enough, put the ground meat into the pot until it’s browned properly. Then, add the carrot, onion, celery, and button mushrooms all together and stir continuously. Next, chop 3-4 garlic cloves finely and add them to the pot. Keep stirring everything until they’re all mixed thoroughly.
Once done, add 1 cup of dry red wine to the mixture and scrape any browned bits to get more flavor. Add 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of ground oregano, 1 tablespoon of marjoram, a few pinches of salt and pepper as per your taste preferences. Let the mixture cook down until you see very little liquid in the pot or when it merges with the other ingredients.
Next up is adding peeled canned tomatoes to the pot along with their juices. Mash the tomatoes with a spoon or spatula while stirring everything until they are well combined. Bring it to boil then lower down to a simmer level where you will cook for at least an hour long over low heat.
When this is done, you must bring another small pot filled with water to a boil over medium-high heat to cook pasta according to its package directions in salted water until ready.
Finally, serve the hot pasta topped with sauce prepared in advance and enjoy your flavorful pasta sauce!
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, wine and pasta lovers! It’s time to get creative with our pasta sauce recipe. Here are some fun substitutions and variations you can explore using the main ingredients of this recipe – red wine and tomatoes.
Substitutions:
– Use white wine instead of red wine: If you have run out of red wine or fancy a lighter sauce, you can use white wine in this recipe too. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile of the dish.
– Skip the alcohol altogether: If you prefer not to include alcohol in your cooking, skip the red wine and add a cup of beef broth instead. You’ll still achieve a tasty tomato-based sauce.
– Add bacon to your meat sauce: Want to add some smoky depth of flavor to your pasta? Add some bacon to the ground beef when sautéing. Yum!
Variations:
– Make it creamy: For a luxurious pasta dish, add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce after it has simmered for 30 minutes.
– Incorporate mushrooms: Sauté some sliced button mushrooms with onions and garlic before adding them to the meat and tomato mixture. It adds texture, flavor, and heartiness.
– Make it spicy: Add some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. The spice will balance beautifully with the acidity of the tomato and red wine.
– Try other types of pasta: This hearty sauce goes well with all kinds of pasta dishes – spaghetti, rigatoni, chicken fettuccine Alfredo, mushroom pasta with Parmesan cheese, etc.
I hope these substitutions and variations inspire you to customize this pasta sauce recipe according to your taste preferences. Remember, cooking is an art form, so don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors!
Serving and Pairing
This pasta sauce recipe infused with red wine is one of my favorites, and I’m sure it will be one of yours too! Its bold and complex flavors make this dish a winner on the dinner table no matter what the occasion.
When serving this pasta sauce with red wine, it pairs exceptionally well with spaghetti or rigatoni. The wine reduction in the sauce adds a depth of flavor that complements the texture and thickness of these noodles perfectly.
For those who prefer a creamy pasta, add a splash of cream towards the end to create a rich, velvety texture. Trust me; it tastes divine.
As for pairing options, any full-bodied red wine will complement this pasta sauce beautifully. I’d personally recommend a Cabernet Sauvignon as it adds an extra dimension to the dish. You can use red wine as an ingredient within your pasta dish, but you can also use it as a beverage to accompany your meal
As always, I recommend cooking your pasta al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. Cooking pasta al dente ensures that it retains its shape and texture while also allowing it to soak up more of that delectable red wine sauce.
Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner for a special occasion or a cozy night in with your loved ones, this red wine pasta sauce recipe is sure to impress.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, the beauty of make-ahead and storing! To truly enjoy pasta sauce with red wine, I’d recommend preparing your sauce recipe in advance. That way, you have plenty of time to allow your sauce to cool down completely before storing it away in the fridge or freezer for later use.
Now, if you choose to store your red wine sauce in the refrigerator, it should stay fresh for up to 4 days. But if you want to keep the sauce for longer, put it away in a freezing-safe container and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating your red wine pasta sauce, be sure to do so slowly over low heat with a constant stirring motion. That way, you can bring back the flavors you’ve cherished earlier without burning it. If you’d like an even deeper flavor, I’d suggest boiling down the sauce while adding salt and pepper as needed until you achieve the desired taste.
Another pro tip? Reheat your pasta separately from your sauce. Warm one larger pot of water over high heat and cook your spaghetti until al dente. Then fold in enough of the reheated red wine pasta sauce so that all noodles are evenly coated with savory goodness.
Ah, now you’re ready to enjoy your Italian-inspired dinner party! Need some extra ideas? You could bring out some platters of rustic breads and charcuterie or create salads with colorful bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Whatever additional fare you serve will wash down perfectly with a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon or any hearty red wine that you prefer.
Until next time – cin-cin!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making a pasta sauce with red wine, there are certain tips that can help you achieve the perfect results. Here are some of my favorite tips for making a delicious and flavorful red wine pasta sauce.
1. Use high-quality ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will greatly determine the overall taste of your pasta sauce. Therefore, be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes, garlic, onion, mushrooms and ground beef. Also, use extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
2. Don’t skimp on the red wine
When making a red wine pasta sauce, it’s important to use a good quality dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot because it will give depth and richness to your sauce. Reduce the wine before adding the other ingredients so that the alcohol evaporates and you are left with the flavor.
3. Season well
Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste – this helps to enhance the flavors in your sauce. You can also add sugar or bay leaves for sweetness, and ground oregano or marjoram for an earthy flavor.
4. Simmer slowly
Simmering your sauce for at least an hour allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly. This will create a rich and full-bodied sauce with a perfect texture.
5. Use tomato paste
Adding tomato paste adds another layer of flavor to your sauce while making it thicker and more concentrated. This is especially useful if you want to make a creamy red wine pasta sauce.
By following these tips, you can create a savory, rich and flavorful pasta dish that pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine. Enjoy cooking!
FAQ
Before I conclude this recipe article, I know that you might have some questions about the recipe. Here are some common FAQ to help solve any concerns and provide additional information to ensure that your pasta sauce with red wine is nothing short of delicious.
What does red wine do to pasta sauce?
Have you ever wondered why alcohol is often added to flavorful sauces? Wine, in particular, has the ability to enhance the taste of different ingredients it comes into contact with. The reason behind this lies in the alcohol present in the wine, which has the power to unlock the flavors of various molecules in the sauce. Moreover, the fats in the sauce get dissolved by red wine, leading to the unveiling of a plethora of nuanced flavors in the final dish.
Can I use red wine instead of white wine in pasta sauce?
When it comes to substituting white wine with red wine in cooking, one should be mindful of the impact it may have on the final color of the dish. It’s advisable to avoid using red wine in white or butter sauces as it could taint the dish’s appearance. Instead, one may consider replacing it with vermouth or other light-colored alcoholic beverages. Red wine can be an excellent alternative in tomato-based sauces, but it’s best to exercise caution with other types of sauces.
Can you use red wine for sauce?
When it comes to pairing red wine with food, there’s a science behind it. The alcohol content in the wine interacts with the fats present in the sauce, like butter or olive oil. This interaction helps in releasing the flavors of those fats, which are then blended in with the sauce, resulting in a perfect balance of flavors. It’s important to remember that if you’re adding wine to your sauce, give it enough time to cook off the alcohol, which will help in bringing out the true flavors of the dish.
Do Italians put red wine in tomato sauce?
When it comes to adding wine to dishes, it’s important to consider the acidity level of both the wine and the ingredients in the recipe. If you’re looking to add a sour or astringent flavor to a dish, a wine with higher acidity may be a good choice. However, it’s worth noting that in Italian cuisine, for example, it’s not common to use wine in a tomato sauce since the tomato itself has a naturally high acidity.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this pasta sauce with red wine recipe is the ultimate comfort food that you should add to your recipe collection. It’s an easy-to-make dish that offers a depth of flavor and complexity that is simply irresistible. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special occasion, this pasta sauce with red wine recipe won’t disappoint.
The dry red wine and the buttery olive oil blend perfectly with the tomato base to create an exquisite flavor you won’t find in any other sauce. You can customize the recipe by adding hearty meats like beef or bacon, or you can make it vegetarian by using mushrooms and other veggies. The possibilities are endless!
By following the tips and tricks provided above, you’ll be able to make a perfectly delicious and mouthwatering dish in no time. Trust me on this one, once you try this pasta sauce with red wine recipe, there’s no turning back! So go ahead and give it a try, impress your friends and family with your cooking skills, or just indulge in some comfort food for yourself. Enjoy!
Pasta Sauce With Red Wine Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 15 -20 medium button mushrooms, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 (28 ounce) cans tomatoes
- 1/2 tablespoon marjoram
- 2 teaspoons ground oregano
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup red wine, preferably Italian
Instructions
- Start with preparing all the vegetables and set them aside.
- Brown ground beef and sausage well and set aside.
- Saute all the vegetable in the olive oil until they are soft. Add the browned meat.
- Puree the tomatoes in a separate bowl and add to the vegetables/meat.
- Add the spices, salt, sugar and pepper.
- Let it simmer for about an hour.
- Add the wine and taste to see if more salt/pepper is needed.
- Simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour.
- Serve with mini farfalle or mini penne and some good parmesan cheese.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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