Get ready to bring the magic of Olive Garden right into your own kitchen with this incredible copycat spaghetti sauce recipe! If you've ever found yourself craving that perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that make Olive Garden's sauce so irresistible, you're in for a treat.
This homemade version captures all the rich, robust flavors of the restaurant favorite, using simple, fresh ingredients that slowly simmer to perfection. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this versatile sauce will elevate any pasta dish to restaurant-quality status.
The best part? Not only will you save money by making it at home, but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your sauce, allowing you to adjust the seasonings to your family's taste preferences. Get ready to become your household's favorite Italian chef!
Equipment
- Large Pot (5+ qt)
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Garlic Press or Knife
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 3 cans 28 oz each crushed tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons dried basil
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- Minced green peppers optional
Instructions
- Prep the Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add the crushed tomatoes, black pepper, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a low boil.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 2-3 hours, stirring often. In the last half of the simmering time, cover the pot.
- Finish: Stir in the grated cheese and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Variations: You can add browned ground beef and Italian sausage for a meatier version.
- Storage: This sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in an airtight container.
- Tips: The sauce develops more flavor the longer it simmers. For a quick version, reduce the simmering time, but note that the flavor might not be as deep.