Quick Easy Sicilian Pasta Sauce

Elevate your pasta night with this Quick Easy Sicilian Pasta Sauce—a vibrant and flavor-packed recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes! Infused with the bold Mediterranean flavors of tangy capers, briny Kalamata olives, and aromatic garlic, this simple sauce transforms pantry staples into an irresistible masterpiece. Simmered with sweet canned tomatoes and fresh basil, it balances zesty and savory notes to perfection. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while reserved pasta water helps you achieve the perfect silky texture. Serve it over your favorite al dente pasta, and garnish with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick family dinner, this Sicilian pasta sauce is a true culinary gem!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Crushed red pepper flakes
• 28 ounces Canned whole peeled tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Capers, rinsed and drained
• 0.5 cups Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 0.25 cups Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Pasta water (reserved)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

Step 3

Pour the canned whole peeled tomatoes into the skillet, breaking them up with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Simmer the tomatoes on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow them to break down and thicken.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed capers and chopped Kalamata olives. Cook for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Step 6

Add the chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to incorporate.

Step 7

To achieve the desired consistency, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.

Step 8

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the Sicilian sauce immediately over your favorite cooked pasta. Garnish with extra fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1150.8 grams (1150.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	711

Total Fat 53.50g	69%
Saturated Fat 7.20g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4516mg	196%
Total Carbohydrate 60.70g	22%
Dietary Fiber 21.80g	78%
Total Sugars 33.10g
Protein 10.70g	21%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 297mg	23%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 1579mg	34%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.8%

Protein: 5.6%

Carbs: 31.7%