Name: Balsamic Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian herb mix (dried); 0.5 teaspoon ground fennel seed; 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 0.25 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Transform your weeknight pasta into a culinary masterpiece with this quick yet deeply flavorful balsamic-infused tomato sauce. The richness of balsamic vinegar beautifully complements the sweetness of tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that will elevate your dish to restaurant-quality in minutes.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. (1 minute)

02

Step

Add the diced onion and salt. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and softened, stirring occasionally. (5 minutes)

03

Step

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian herb mix, ground fennel seed, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant. (1 minute)

04

Step

Pour in the balsamic vinegar and allow it to simmer and reduce slightly, creating a slightly syrupy consistency. (5 minutes)

05

Step

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. (10 minutes)

06

Step

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Season with additional salt to taste.

07

Step

Serve hot over your favorite pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of dry red wine along with the balsamic vinegar.
If you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to lightly blend the sauce after simmering.
This sauce is also excellent as a base for pizza or as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Maxie Reilly

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 4 Ratings)

Total Reviews: (4)

Ernest Howell
Jun 16, 2025
I used fresh tomatoes from my garden and it was even better!
Morton Homenick
Jun 16, 2025
I added a little bit of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, and it turned out perfect!
Magdalena Kohler
Jun 8, 2025
This sauce is amazing! So easy to make and the balsamic vinegar adds such a unique and delicious flavor.
Kariane Huel
May 27, 2025
My family loved this! It's definitely going into our regular rotation.

Balsamic Pasta Sauce

Ingridients

Nutrition

Follow The Directions

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03

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Maxie Reilly

Written by

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Balsamic Pasta Sauce

RECIPE REVIEWS

Ernest Howell

Morton Homenick

Magdalena Kohler

Kariane Huel

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