Gluten-Free Quick 10-Minute Stovetop Pizza Sauce

Prep: 5 minCook: 5 min16 servingsmediumItalian
Quick 10-Minute Stovetop Pizza Sauce with Red Wine

A rich, aromatic pizza sauce that comes together in just 10 minutes on the stovetop. Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste create a thick, clingy base while red wine adds depth and Italian seasoning provides classic herb flavors. The optional honey balances acidity for a well-rounded sauce that's perfect for homemade pizzas, calzones, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Ingredients

16 servings
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    dried basil + oregano1/2 tsp eachbasic

    simpler herb blend

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup red wine
    grape juice1:1vegetarian

    sweeter flavor

    Full guide →
  • 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
  • 6 oz canned tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar(optional)
    maple syrup1:1vegan

    slightly different sweetness profile

    Full guide →
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat and sauté minced garlic and Italian seasoning for one minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning

  2. 2

    Add red wine and simmer for another minute, stirring frequently, until wine reduces by about half

  3. 3

    Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and optional honey, then stir to combine

  4. 4

    Cover and simmer on low for about 5 minutes until heated through

  5. 5

    Season with salt and pepper to taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Tips

Tip 1

Stir garlic constantly during the first minute to prevent burning and bitter flavors

Tip 2

Let the red wine reduce properly for concentrated flavor without alcohol harshness

Tip 3

Taste and adjust sweetness with honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 1 week in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated

Serve With

Use immediately on pizza or store for later use

Common Mistakes

Watch

Keep heat at medium to avoid burning garlic

Watch

Don't skip wine reduction step for proper flavor concentration

Substitutions

Vegan Options

honey
maple syrup1:1vegan

slightly different sweetness profile

Full guide →

General Alternatives

red wine
grape juice1:1vegetarian

sweeter flavor

Full guide →
Italian seasoning
dried basil + oregano1/2 tsp eachbasic

simpler herb blend

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this sauce without wine?

Yes, substitute with grape juice or additional crushed tomatoes. The wine adds depth but isn't essential for a good sauce.

How long does this sauce keep?

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Double all ingredients and extend simmering time to 8-10 minutes to ensure everything heats through properly.