20 Pasta Sauce Tricks That Make You Feel Like an Italian Chef

The pasta sauce is the secret to making authentic Italian dish, and this listicle features 20 of the best tricks to help you master it. These tips will have your pasta dishes bursting with rich taste and texture; from balancing flavors to optimizing ingredients. Get ready to take your guests’ taste buds on a trip to Italy.

1. Start with Fresh Ingredients

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Fresh ingredients is the foundation of any authentic Italian dish. Opt for ripe or in-season produce like tomatoes, basil, or garlic as these can make a huge difference in flavor.

2. Use Whole Peeled Tomatoes

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When buying canned tomatoes, choose whole peeled instead of diced. This is because whole tomatoes are less processed, giving them a fuller and fresher flavor.

3. Simmer Slowly

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For creating a rich, thick, and well-rounded sauce, low and slow is the way to go. This gives it deep and robust flavors. Ideally, leave it simmering for at least 30 minutes.

4. Use Fresh Herbs at the End

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Basil and parsley can add vibrancy to your pasta dish. However, they will lose their potency if you put them in early. Stir them in your pot within the last few minutes of cooking.

5. Add a Dash of Sugar

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If your tomatoes taste too acidic, adding a touch of sugar will help balance the flavors. Avoid adding too much, though, because you still want your sauce to keep its savory taste.

6. Don’t Forget the Olive Oil

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Olive oil is the ideal base for any sauce, giving it a richer taste. Using extra virgin olive oil is even better as it packs more flavor and gives your sauce a luxurious texture.

7. Sauté Garlic, Not Burn It

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Be careful not to burn your garlic. Doing so will make your sauce taste bitter. Sauté it until it turns lightly brown to bring out its sweetness and aromatic qualities.

8. Add Anchovies for Umami

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Don’t worry, adding anchovies won’t make your pasta sauce taste fishy. This is because they dissolve easily in hot oil and leave deep, savory flavors that can elevate your sauce and make it more authentic.

9. Finish with Butter for Creaminess

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For an added velvety texture, stir in a pat of butter right before you’re about to put your sauce on the pasta. This gives the dish a more luxurious finish, which a signature for Italian food.

10. Use Pasta Water to Thicken

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The starch from the water used to boil pasta will help the sauce stick to the noodles. Only add a few spoonfuls of pasta water into the pot to blend it all together.

11. Include Wine for Depth

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A splash of red or white wine will add rich aroma, which enhances both tomato- and cream-based sauces. Let it simmer and reduce to remove the alcohol.

12. Infuse with Parmesan Rinds

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Don’t throw away your parmesan rinds! Let them simmer in the sauce to add a salty, umami flavor without the need for more ingredients.

13. Experiment with Different Oils

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Olive oil is a staple for pasta sauces. However, try using chili or herb-infused oils for a unique twist in flavors.

14. Crush Whole Tomatoes by Hand

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Crushed tomatoes give a more chunky and rustic texture to sauces, and it adds more authenticity to your pasta dish. Though messy, it’s well-worth it.

15. Layer in Flavors

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Start with garlic and onions, then gradually add in your herbs and tomatoes to develop complex flavors. This simple technique is the secret behind restaurant-quality pasta dishes.

16. Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes

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If you want your sauce to have a little more kick in them, add just a tiny bit of pepper flakes. This gives your dish a more bold and memorable taste without it burning your tongue.

17. Use Balsamic Vinegar for Sweetness

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For tomato-based sauces, add a dash of of balsamic vinegar towards to end. This balances the flavors of your sauce and gives a hint of sweetness to it.

18. Puree for a Smooth Sauce

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With an immersion blender, you can puree your sauce for a smoother texture. This is especially great for creamier sauces or for finer-shaped pasta.

19. Roast Your Ingredients First

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Roasting garlic, tomatoes, or peppers will help intensify their flavors, giving your sauce that smoky, robust taste.

20. Season at Every Step

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Seasoning is one of the most important components in any dish. So, make sure to do so throughout the cooking process. Doing so will allow each ingredient to shine and help everything blend together perfectly.

• Tags:
• Italian Food
• Pasta
• Sauce
• cooking
• Tips