Pasta Sauce Perfection

Why simple is simply better

BY VICKI MARTINEZ

 
 

There are three things that go into making the perfect sauce for pasta: the right ingredients, the appropriate cooking method, and the right amount of time.

Let's investigate the Barilla Vero Gusto way.

 
 

Ingredients Matter

The first step to creating a delicious pasta sauce is to use simple, fresh ingredients.

Of course, a robust tomato flavor is the star of any good pasta sauce, but tomatoes aren't the first step. To achieve authentic flavors with vibrant undertones, start with a soffritto.

     
     
     
     

    Soffritto

    What is a soffritto? A soffritto is the secret to perfect pasta sauce. A flavorful base of onions, carrots, and garlic sautéed in 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

    Cook the soffritto slowly over low heat, allowing the vegetables to caramelize. This releases the natural sugars that work to enhance the tangy tomato flavors.

      cooking tip


      Cooking Tip:
      Be careful not to burn your garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.

      After caramelization, add fresh quartered or sliced tomatoes.

         
         
         
         

        Tomatoes on the Vine

        A great sauce needs great tomatoes. There are numerous kinds to choose from, but for the most delicious sauce, go with a “paste” tomato. These varieties tend to have a more firm and meaty texture, usually with fewer seeds and water. Two common varieties at grocery stores include Roma and San Marzano.

           
           

          Ingredients Matter

          The first step to creating a delicious pasta sauce is to use simple, fresh ingredients.

          Of course, a robust tomato flavor is the star of any good pasta sauce, but tomatoes aren't the first step. To achieve authentic flavors with vibrant undertones, start with a soffritto.

             
             
             
             

            Soffritto

            What is a soffritto? A soffritto is the secret to perfect pasta sauce. A flavorful base of onions, carrots, and garlic sautéed in 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

            Cook the soffritto slowly over low heat, allowing the vegetables to caramelize. This releases the natural sugars that work to enhance the tangy tomato flavors.

              cooking tip


              Cooking Tip:
              Be careful not to burn your garlic. Burnt garlic tastes bitter.

              After caramelization, add fresh quartered or sliced tomatoes.

                 
                 
                 
                 

                Tomatoes on the Vine

                A great sauce needs great tomatoes. There are numerous kinds to choose from, but for the most delicious sauce, go with a “paste” tomato. These varieties tend to have a more firm and meaty texture, usually with fewer seeds and water. Two common varieties at grocery stores include Roma and San Marzano.

                   
                   

                  Low and Slow

                  To develop an aromatic and zesty sauce, the proper cooking method is just as important as fresh ingredients.

                  Cook your sauce at a low, slow simmer. Unlike boiling, a slow simmer at very low heat mixes the ingredients naturally without changing their basic structure. This helps intensify the flavors while marrying the ingredients perfectly.

                  While the sauce simmers, add fresh herbs and spices to create the flavor profile you prefer.

                  Try:

                  • Basil
                  • Italian parsley
                  • Oregano
                  • Rosemary
                  • Thyme
                  • Red pepper flakes

                  Do you enjoy pasta sauce with a hint of spice? Follow along as Barilla Executive Chef Lorenzo Boni and Live Naturally editor, Rebecca Heaton, make a delicious pasta dish using Barilla’s Vero Gusto Calabrian Marinara.

                     
                     
                     
                     

                    True Terrificness Takes Time

                    Simmering a sauce for several hours is the final key to a delicious pasta sauce. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the ingredients reduce, resulting in a sauce that’s bold and savory.

                       
                       

                      cooking tip


                      Cooking Tip:
                       Season your sauce with sea salt and black pepper along the way, tasting occasionally and adding more as needed.

                      When you’re short on time, a jarred sauce is a good option. It’s never a bad idea to keep your pantry stocked with a variety of Barilla’s Vero Gusto sauces. Barilla Vero Gusto is inspired by homemade sauces. There’s no added sugar, no preservatives, and No GMO ingredients. No shortcuts. Just truly great sauces. Barilla Vero Gusto starts with a slowly sautéed soffrito, 100% pure Italian tomatoes, and carefully selected Italian grown herbs and spices.

                      Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want that cooked-all-day authentic flavor.

                         
                         
                         
                         

                        True Terrificness Takes Time

                        Simmering a sauce for several hours is the final key to a delicious pasta sauce. The longer the sauce simmers, the more the ingredients reduce, resulting in a sauce that’s bold and savory.

                           
                           

                          cooking tip


                          Cooking Tip:
                           Season your sauce with sea salt and black pepper along the way, tasting occasionally and adding more as needed.

                          When you’re short on time, a jarred sauce is a good option. It’s never a bad idea to keep your pantry stocked with a variety of Barilla’s Vero Gusto sauces. Barilla Vero Gusto is inspired by homemade sauces. There’s no added sugar, no preservatives, and No GMO ingredients. No shortcuts. Just truly great sauces. Barilla Vero Gusto starts with a slowly sautéed soffrito, 100% pure Italian tomatoes, and carefully selected Italian grown herbs and spices.

                          Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want that cooked-all-day authentic flavor.

                           
                           

                          Now that you know what it takes to make the perfect pasta sauce, try your homemade sauce with one of these recipes from Barilla.

                           
                           

                          farfalle pasta recipe

                          Chicken Caprese Pasta with Farfalle and Tomato & Basil Sauce

                          Roasted Vegetable

                          Roasted Vegetable Skillet Lasagna

                          pasta alla norma

                          Pasta alla Norma

                           
                           

                           

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