Copycat Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe

Love the tasty Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe? Now, you can recreate this classic at home with fresh ingredients and simple steps.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a fancy meal to impress your guests, this recipe is perfect for both. You’ll master the mix of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors just like the original Olive Garden sauce, sure to win everyone over.

Key Takeaways

• Recreate the iconic Olive Garden spaghetti sauce at home
• Use simple, fresh ingredients for a homemade touch
• Enjoy the rich, flavorful sauce with your favorite pasta dishes
• Follow easy instructions for a restaurant-quality result
• Impress family and friends with this delicious copycat recipe

So What Is This Copycat Olive Garden Marinara Sauce?

Craving Olive Garden’s famous spaghetti sauce? Making a similar version at home allows you to savor authentic Italian flavors. This sauce is loved for its rich, tomato-basil blend.

Why Make a Copycat Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe?

Making your own Olive Garden spaghetti sauce has significant benefits:

• Customizable flavors: Adjust the sauce to your taste.
• Healthier ingredients: Avoid harmful extras common in store-bought options.
• Cost savings: It’s cheaper than always buying from the restaurant.
• Versatility: Use it for various dishes, not just spaghetti.

Ingredients Needed

To make a copycat version of Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce, you’ll need the following key items:

Ingredient List

• Canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes: 48 ounces
• Dried basil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic, minced: 4 cloves
• Black pepper: 1 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese: 1/2 cup

Note: The best texture and flavor come from either canned or fresh tomatoes. Canned tomatoes are easy to use, while fresh tomatoes give the sauce a hearty, homegrown taste.

Preparing the Sauce Base

Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until it smells great and looks golden. Avoid burning it.
3. Add canned or fresh tomatoes. Use San Marzano or any good variety. Include black pepper, dried basil, and a pinch of sugar.
4. Bring to a soft low boil, stirring often. This blends the flavors and thickens the sauce.

Simmering the sauce brings out deep, incredible flavors, just like in Olive Garden’s sauce.

Simmering the Sauce

After the sauce boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

Uncovered vs Covered Simmering

• First 1-1.5 hours: Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce.
• Remaining 1-1.5 hours: Cover the pot to develop full flavor.

Regular stirring ensures nothing sticks or burns, making your sauce rich and tasty.

Simmering Time Breakdown

Simmering Time	Pot Cover	Purpose
First 1-1.5 hours	Uncovered	Allow sauce to thicken
Remaining 1-1.5 hours	Covered	Develop full flavor

Finishing Touches

Adding Cheese

After the sauce has cooked for 30 minutes or more, stir in freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese. About 1/2 cup is usually enough, but feel free to add more if you love cheese. Let the cheese melt into the sauce for about 5 more minutes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	338
Carbohydrates	12g
Protein	17g
Fat	25g
Sodium	691mg
Vitamin A	440IU
Vitamin C	13mg
Calcium	63mg
Iron	3mg

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your home-cooked Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce by pairing it with classic pasta dishes and delightful sides.

Pairing with Pasta

• Spaghetti: Toss with the rich, flavorful sauce for a classic Italian-American dish.
• Ziti or Penne: The sauce clings to the ridges, making for a heartier meal.
• Fresh Ravioli or Tortellini: The robust flavors complement pasta pockets, creating a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

• Green Salad with Vinaigrette: Refreshing the palate.
• Freshly Baked Breadsticks: Dip them in the sauce for the full experience.
• Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers enhance the meal.

Serving Suggestion Nutritional Information

Dish	Calories	Carbs	Protein	Fat
Spaghetti and Olive Garden Sauce	1029 kcal	127g	47g	38g
Spaghetti and Meatballs	1120 kcal	127g	52g	43g
Spaghetti and Sauce with Breadsticks	1229 kcal	153g	48g	48g

Storing Leftovers

This recipe makes enough for 3-4 jars, perfect for saving leftovers.

Refrigerating Leftovers

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Freezing for Longer Storage

Freeze the sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for 4-6 months.

Canning for Shelf-Stable Storage

Can the sauce by placing it in jars and processing them in a water bath for 35 minutes. Canned sauce stays good for up to 18 months.

Variations and Customizations

Adding Meat

Brown ground beef or sausage and add it to the sauce for a heartier meal.

Spice It Up

Add red pepper flakes or other spices for an extra kick. Start with a little, taste, and then add more if you like.

Tips for Perfect Sauce

• Simmer, Simmer, Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 hours for deep, rich flavors.
• Stir It Up: Stir often to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
• Taste and Adjust: Continuously taste and adjust seasonings for the perfect balance.
• Quality Tomatoes Matter: Use the best tomatoes you can find, like San Marzano.
• Melt in the Cheese: Add Parmesan or Romano at the end for a smooth, rich texture.

Comparison to Olive Garden’s Version

Our copycat recipe closely mimics Olive Garden’s sauce by using high-quality ingredients and simmering for a long time.

Comparison Breakdown

Characteristic	Copycat Recipe	Olive Garden Version
Tomato Flavor	Bold and robust	Bold and robust
Texture	Smooth and velvety	Smooth and velvety
Seasoning	Perfectly balanced	Perfectly balanced
Sweetness	Subtle hint	Subtle hint
Ingredients	High-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fragrant herbs	High-quality canned tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fragrant herbs

Taking My Pasta Sauce To Go

This copycat Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce recipe is perfect for those who love the restaurant’s sauce or want a tasty homemade spaghetti sauce. With simple steps and high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy Olive Garden’s famous tomato-basil sauce at home. It’s great for any pasta dish, from spaghetti to lasagna, and you can get creative with how you use it.

Enjoy the rich, delicious flavors of Olive Garden in the comfort of your home, while saving money and impressing your family and friends.

Olive Garden Pasta Sauce FAQ

How long does the Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce last in the fridge?

The homemade Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce lasts in the fridge for 1 week.

Can I freeze the Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze it. It’s good for several months in the freezer.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, using fresh tomatoes is a great choice. Just peel, chop, and blend them.

How can I make the sauce extra hearty?

To make the sauce hearty, you can mix in browned ground beef or Italian sausage. This adds a meaty taste.

Can I add some spice to the Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes for some spice. Other spices work too. This gives the sauce an extra flavor punch.

What’s the best way to develop the rich flavor of the sauce?

The sauce needs to simmer for 2-3 hours. Make sure to stir it often. This is the secret to its rich taste.

Olive Garden Spaghetti Sauce Recipe