Kittencal’s Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Description:
There is a secret to crafting the perfect pasta sauce, and it involves a patient, slow cooking process followed by a period of refrigeration to allow the flavors to meld. A great sauce needs time to “ripen” and fully develop its rich taste. This sauce is best made a day ahead, or even up to 4 days in advance, to let the flavors intensify. The longer it rests in the fridge, the better it gets. This recipe makes a generous amount, so use what you need for your meal and freeze the rest in convenient plastic containers for another delicious dinner. To quickly thaw, simply pop it in the microwave for about 8 minutes or thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer, you can partially cook the meatballs in the oven before adding them to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor. Get ready to fall in love with this sauce—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- Kittencal’s Italian Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatballs
- 1 onion
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 – 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Follow the recipe for Kittencal’s Italian Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatballs. Once prepared, transfer them to a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to use them. You can make the meatballs up to 1 day in advance.
Prepare the Sauce:
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Begin by draining the diced tomatoes over a strainer to remove excess liquid.
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In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, coat the bottom with olive oil and heat over medium heat.
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Add the onion, bay leaf, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions become translucent.
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Stir in the fresh garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Add the tomato paste to the pot, mixing well with the onion mixture. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Pour in the dry red wine, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
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Add the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes (you can use 3 cans if you plan to freeze some sauce) and the drained diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a light boil.
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Allow the sauce to boil gently for 5-8 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
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Add the uncooked meatballs to the sauce. Be gentle when adding them, as stirring too vigorously at this stage may cause the meatballs to break apart.
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Let the sauce simmer uncovered on low heat for about 3-5 hours. The longer you simmer it, the thicker and richer the sauce will become, so don’t be afraid to let it go for up to 6 hours!
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Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt if desired.
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As the sauce simmers, you may notice some fat gathering on the surface. Skim off any excess fat with a spoon.
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Once the sauce has simmered to perfection, allow it to cool to room temperature.
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Refrigerate the sauce (with the meatballs still in it) for a minimum of 1 day, or up to 4 days before using. This resting period allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
Serving and Storing:
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When you’re ready to enjoy the sauce, use as much as desired for your meal.
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For the remaining sauce, freeze it for another meal. It freezes exceptionally well for up to 6 months.
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To reheat, simply warm the sauce on the stovetop or heat it in the microwave until heated through.
Additional Tips:
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For added depth of flavor, consider baking the meatballs in the oven before adding them to the sauce. Simply place them on a greased baking sheet and bake according to the meatball recipe’s instructions.
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This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes. Serve it over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta variety.
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Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a finishing touch.
Get ready to savor every rich, flavorful bite of this Kittencal’s Italian Tomato Pasta Sauce and Parmesan Meatballs recipe. It’s a labor of love that rewards you with a sauce that’s bursting with Italian flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy the process of creating this sauce, and revel in the delicious results—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen! 🍝🍅✨
