This Sun-Dried Tomato Pinot Noir Sauce is a rich and flavorful homemade tomato sauce featuring bold Pinot Noir, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and savory seasonings. Perfect for gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken, seafood, meatballs, or roasted vegetables, this easy gourmet sauce comes together in just 25 minutes and adds restaurant-quality flavor to any meal.
There is something special about a homemade tomato sauce that slowly simmers on the stove, filling the kitchen with incredible aromas. This Sun-Dried Tomato Pinot Noir Sauce combines the bright acidity of tomatoes with the rich fruit notes of Pinot Noir to create a beautifully balanced sauce that tastes as though it has been cooking all day. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes provides concentrated sweetness and a satisfying texture, while garlic, nutmeg, and a touch of red pepper flakes add warmth and depth.
Whether you are preparing a weeknight pasta dinner or serving an elegant meal for guests, this versatile sauce pairs wonderfully with gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, meatballs, roasted vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for warm gluten-free bread. It is simple enough for everyday cooking yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Yield
About 3 cups
3 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup Pinot Noir
1 (28-ounce) can pureed tomatoes
½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes
½ tablespoon granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Step 1: Reduce the Wine
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the Pinot Noir and allow it to simmer gently until it has reduced by approximately one-half. This concentrates the wine’s natural fruit flavors while creating a rich base for the sauce.
Step 2: Add the Tomatoes
Stir the pureed tomatoes into the reduced wine until completely combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients
Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, ground nutmeg, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly so the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and continue simmering for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally as the sauce thickens and the flavors blend together. The sun-dried tomatoes will soften while adding concentrated tomato flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve immediately over your favorite gluten-free pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, meatballs, roasted vegetables, or Italian sausage. This sauce also makes an excellent topping for baked eggplant or a dipping sauce for warm gluten-free bread.
Must be 21 years of age or older to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Choose a good-quality Pinot Noir since reducing the wine concentrates its flavor throughout the finished sauce.
If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them thoroughly before adding them to the saucepan.
For a smoother consistency, blend the finished sauce with an immersion blender. Leave it unblended if you prefer a rustic texture.
For a milder sauce, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For additional heat, increase the amount to suit your taste.
Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, or chopped parsley make excellent garnishes just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and often taste even better the next day.
Freeze the cooled sauce in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
