Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Sauce is a simple yet flavorful recipe that forms the foundation for countless pasta dishes. Made with basic ingredients like ripe tomatoes, garlic, onions, and olive oil, this sauce is packed with natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, this versatile sauce can be customized with herbs, spices, or even vegetables to suit any meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a classic Italian-style dish, this pasta sauce is a must-have in your recipe collection.
What is Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce?
Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Sauce is a classic tomato-based sauce made with fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful base for pasta dishes. The sauce typically features ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, with the option to add herbs like basil or oregano. The simplicity of this sauce allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, making it a perfect pairing for any type of pasta or even as a base for other Italian dishes like lasagna or pizza.
Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
- Jamie Oliver Turkey Ham and Leek Pie
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Pie – 30 Minutes Meals
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this sauce perfect for busy weeknights.
- Fresh and flavorful: Using fresh tomatoes and herbs creates a vibrant, delicious sauce.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes and can be used as a base for other dishes.
- Healthy: Made with natural ingredients and no added preservatives, this sauce is a healthy option.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, vegetables, or spices to make it your own.
Ingredients Needed to Make Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- 800g (28 oz) ripe tomatoes – fresh or canned, for a rich tomato base.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced, for a burst of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and bringing out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – adds extra richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 handful of fresh basil – chopped, for a fragrant, fresh finish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Prepare the ingredients: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel and roughly chop them. If using canned tomatoes, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and the tomato paste. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the sugar and dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with fresh basil: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta and serve hot. You can also use it as a base for pizza, lasagna, or other Italian dishes.
What Goes Well With Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Spaghetti: The sauce clings beautifully to long strands of pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
- Penne or rigatoni: Short pasta shapes hold the sauce well, making each bite flavorful.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left on the plate.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a salty, savory touch.
- Fresh salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette is a refreshing side to this rich sauce.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Use ripe tomatoes: The key to a flavorful sauce is using ripe, juicy tomatoes. If using canned, go for high-quality ones like San Marzano.
- Cook low and slow: Simmering the sauce gently allows the flavors to develop and deepen.
- Balance the acidity: Adding a pinch of sugar helps balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes.
- Fresh herbs: Use fresh basil or parsley at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh finish.
- Freeze for later: This sauce freezes well, so make a big batch and store portions for easy weeknight meals.
Easy Variations of Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Spicy sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
- Vegetable-packed sauce: Sauté diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions for a veggie-loaded sauce.
- Creamy tomato sauce: Stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Pesto-tomato combo: Stir in a spoonful of pesto for a unique twist on classic tomato sauce.
- Meat sauce: Brown some ground beef or sausage and stir it into the sauce for a hearty Bolognese-style dish.
Best Practices to Store Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Thaw before reheating: If frozen, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stovetop.
Best Practices to Reheat Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce
- Stovetop method: Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave option: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Add a splash of water: If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of water or stock while reheating to loosen it.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce Healthier?
- Use less oil: Cut down on the amount of olive oil to reduce the fat content.
- Reduce sugar: If you prefer a lower-sugar option, reduce or omit the sugar in the sauce.
- Add more vegetables: Incorporate extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
- Whole wheat pasta: Serve the sauce with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier meal.
- Use fresh tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, making the sauce healthier than store-bought versions.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Sauce is a versatile, fresh, and flavorful recipe that forms the base of many classic Italian dishes. Whether you’re tossing it with your favorite pasta, using it as a pizza topping, or incorporating it into lasagna, this sauce is a must-have in any home cook’s repertoire.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy homemade pasta sauce that’s far better than store-bought versions. Give it a try today and elevate your pasta dishes with this delicious sauce!
More By British Baking Recipes
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Jamie Oliver Pasta Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Pasta Sauce is a classic tomato-based sauce made with fresh ingredients to create a rich and flavorful base for pasta dishes. The sauce typically features ripe tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, with the option to add herbs like basil or oregano. The simplicity of this sauce allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, making it a perfect pairing for any type of pasta or even as a base for other Italian dishes like lasagna or pizza.
Ingredients
- 800g (28 oz) ripe tomatoes – fresh or canned, for a rich tomato base.
- 1 large onion – finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 garlic cloves – minced, for a burst of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing and bringing out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste – adds extra richness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar – balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – for a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 handful of fresh basil – chopped, for a fragrant, fresh finish.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: If using fresh tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel and roughly chop them. If using canned tomatoes, drain and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) and the tomato paste. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the sugar and dried oregano, then season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with fresh basil: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta and serve hot. You can also use it as a base for pizza, lasagna, or other Italian dishes.
