Best Homemade Garlic Pasta Sauce Recipe! (SO Delicious)
This recipe focuses on creating a flavorful, long-simmered garlic pasta sauce using a specific brand of tomato sauce and a unique blend of spices. Designed to yield a rich and comforting accompaniment to pasta, it effectively masks the taste of whole wheat varieties, offering a delicious and satisfying meal for two.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven For simmering the sauce
- 1 Saucepan For cooking the pasta
- 1 Chef's knife For mincing garlic
- 1 Cutting Board For preparing ingredients
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Ladle For stirring and serving
Ingredients
Main
- Garlic – about 10-12 cloves
- 3 15 oz cans of hunts tomato sauce (this is super important….in my opinion, it needs to be hunts. i have tried other brands, organic included and although it still turns out fantastic, it doesn’t taste the same…so hunts it is!).
- 1 bag of pasta you could do more if your family eats a lot of pasta we used whole wheat organic and this sauce is so yummy it masks the funky taste of the whole wheat.
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Parsley flakes
Instructions
- Finely mince or crush the 10-12 cloves of garlic.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-low heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the heated olive oil and gently sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn it.
- Pour in the three 15 oz cans of Hunts tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the garlic and oil.
- Stir in the cumin, oregano, and parsley flakes, adjusting quantities to your preference.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (167 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- About 15-20 minutes before the sauce is finished simmering, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Toss the hot, drained pasta directly with the garlic pasta sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency, and serve immediately.
Notes
The extended simmering time (nearly 3 hours) is paramount for developing the deep, rich flavor of this garlic-forward sauce. Ensure you maintain a very low heat and stir occasionally to prevent scorching the bottom. For the garlic, a fine mince or crushing will allow its potent flavor to fully infuse the olive oil without being raw or sharp. While the recipe specifies Hunts tomato sauce for its unique flavor profile, if unavailable, a good quality crushed tomato or passata can be used, potentially with a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. The cumin adds an unconventional yet intriguing depth; taste and adjust to ensure it harmonizes with the oregano and parsley. Always cook your pasta al dente and consider reserving some pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a perfect coating on the noodles, ensuring a cohesive and satisfying dish.