Rustic Pasta Sauce

Transform your pasta nights with this hearty and flavorful Rustic Pasta Sauce, a classic Italian-inspired recipe bursting with wholesome ingredients. Crafted with love, this sauce combines the natural sweetness of finely grated carrots and chopped celery with the bold umami of crushed tomatoes and a touch of caramelized tomato paste. Seasoned to perfection with dried oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for optional heat, the slow simmer creates a rich, velvety texture that’s both comforting and robust. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and torn basil leaves, this sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta or works as a versatile base for your favorite Italian dishes. Ready in just an hour, it's the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
• 1 stalk celery stalk, finely chopped
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 5 leaves fresh basil leaves, torn

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, and chopped celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 5

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid, leaving a small gap to let steam escape.

Step 6

Simmer the sauce for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened slightly and the flavors are well combined.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and torn basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor.

Step 9

Serve the rustic pasta sauce warm over your favorite cooked pasta or use it as a base for other Italian dishes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1097.1 grams (1097.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	682

Total Fat 43.70g	56%
Saturated Fat 6.70g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 164mg	7%
Total Carbohydrate 68.30g	25%
Dietary Fiber 16.60g	59%
Total Sugars 39.20g
Protein 11.20g	22%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 234mg	18%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 2226mg	47%

*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: 55.3%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 38.4%