Quick Red Wine Pasta Sauce

This red wine pasta sauce is full of flavor, elegant, and incredibly easy to whip up! Whether you have leftover red wine, or are looking for a pasta sauce that will up the ante, you’re in the right place! 

The key to making the best sauce is to use really good ingredients. Seek out high-quality crushed tomatoes, use fresh oregano (if you can), and use a red wine that you actually enjoy drinking. Of course you can use cheap wine if you’d like, but the better quality wine you use, the better this sauce will be!

This sauce is: 

• Light and flavorful
• Tangy 
• Savory 
• Vegetarian 
• Versatile 
• Vegan-optional

What red wine is best for pasta sauce?

There’s a two-part answer to this question. First, I recommend using a bold, dry red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Côtes du Rhône or Zinfandel. A dry red wine will add the most depth of flavor. And in my opinion, if I’m going to cook with wine, I want to be able to taste it!

The second part of my answer is to use what you like! When cooking with wine, it’s best to use one that you would actually enjoy drinking.

Now, I’m not saying you need to use a $45 bottle of wine. No, no. Use what you like, use what’s on hand, and use what’s in budget.

This recipe uses one cup of wine, so you’ll have some leftover to sip on or use in other recipes. I have a few go-to wines that I like to cook with, ones that don’t break the bank, but that I’m also happy to serve alongside dinner. 

How to make red wine pasta sauce 

Ahh this recipe is titled “quick” for a reason. I wanted to create a sauce that was bold with flavor and elegance, but didn’t take the time usually associated with those types of sauces. To get BIG flavor in a small amount of time, I do a few things. 

First, I grate the onion which encourages it to “melt” into the sauce, infusing flavor without adding large chunks of onion.

Second, I cook the garlic a bit longer than most recipes which allows it to turn golden brown (not burnt!). This step adds a toasty, caramelized flavor.

The third thing I did was add a full tablespoon of honey to balance out the acidic tomatoes and wine. Without honey the sauce is sharp and tangy (you can also use maple syrup or white sugar). 

The basic steps for making this red wine pasta sauce:

1. Sauté the onion and oregano in oil until softened and starting to turn golden brown.
2. Add the garlic and cook until golden brown.
3. Stir in half of a cup of wine and let it evaporate down almost completely. Add remaining half cup of wine and simmer until reduce by at least half.
4. Stir in tomato and honey; bring to a simmer and cook 10 minutes.
5. Off heat, stir in basil and season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to use red wine pasta sauce 

• Toss with spaghetti or penne.
• Toss with zucchini noodles as a veggie pasta dish.
• Reduce down a couple of cups and use as marinara sauce on pizza or in lasagna. 
• Use sauce to make baked eggs in tomato sauce (eggs in purgatory or shakshuka).
• Simmer white beans in some tomato sauce, top with olive oil and serve with crusty bread for a simple dinner.
• Steam mussels in tomato sauce, serve with crusty bread.
• Use as a dip for grilled cheese. 

7 ways to use leftover red wine:

• Infuse red wine into dark chocolate truffles
• Make a sangria 
• Braise lamb shanks in red wine (coming soon!)
• Poach pears in red wine
• Freeze into ice cubes and use in cooking as needed
• Make a wine-infused fruit compote 
• Use red wine to make a pan sauce for roasted pork

You may also like…

• Pasta alla Puttanesca
• Trapanese Pesto Pasta
• Carrot Top Pesto Pasta
• Browned Butter Garlic Noodles
• Vegan Sweet Potato Ravioli
• Saucy Gochujang Noodles

Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this red wine pasta sauce!

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