Palomino Sauce Recipe: Creamy Italian Perfection in Minutes
Palomino sauce is a delectable and versatile Italian-inspired sauce that combines the richness of a creamy Alfredo sauce with the tangy tomato base of a marinara sauce. This hybrid sauce achieves a perfect balance, offering a velvety texture and a robust, slightly tangy flavor profile. To make palomino sauce, marinara sauce is typically mixed with heavy cream, resulting in a pink-hued sauce that’s both luxurious and flavorful.
Garlic, onion, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano are often added to enhance the taste. Palomino sauce is commonly served over pasta, providing a luscious coating that complements a variety of noodles, from spaghetti to penne. It can also be used as a topping for chicken or seafood dishes, adding an indulgent touch to a wide range of meals. This sauce is cherished for its creamy consistency and the way it melds the best of both tomato-based and cream-based sauces, making it a favorite in many households and Italian-American restaurants
Palomino Sauce Recipe: Creamy and Delicious Italian Sauce
Palomino Sauce is a versatile and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce that combines the richness of a cream sauce with the tangy goodness of marinara. It’s the perfect choice for pasta, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. This creamy tomato-based sauce is a crowd-pleaser and an excellent option for those who want a homemade alternative to store-bought sauces. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
Palomino Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Season the Sauce: Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If the tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavor. Stir well.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cream and Parmesan: Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook on low heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, chicken, or seafood. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Palomino sauce is a creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce, perfect for pasta dishes. Combining the richness of cream with the tangy depth of tomato sauce, it offers a balance of smooth and savory flavors. To make it, sauté minced garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant, then add tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half to create a luscious consistency, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. Optional additions include Parmesan cheese for extra richness or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Serve it warm over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients for Palomino Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy cream, stirring continuously until fully blended.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Optional Parmesan: For extra richness, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve over your favorite pasta or protein.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~3g
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~9g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
- Cholesterol: ~40mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the specific ingredients used.)
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious sauce that elevates any dish.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite protein to make it your own.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.
