Jamie Oliver’s no-cook pasta sauce is a quick, fresh, and delicious solution for those busy days when you want something light and easy. With no need to cook the sauce, this recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver bold flavors that pair perfectly with your favorite pasta. Ready in minutes, this no-cook sauce is perfect for summer or when you want a simple, refreshing meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

No Cooking Required: You don’t need to turn on the stove for the sauce, making it perfect for hot days or busy schedules.
Fresh and Healthy: Made with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, this sauce is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor.

Quick to Make: You can whip up this sauce in just minutes while your pasta cooks.
Customizable: The ingredients can be easily adjusted to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Summer: The vibrant, raw flavors of this sauce are ideal for a light and refreshing meal during warmer months.

What is No-Cook Pasta Sauce?

Jamie Oliver No-cook pasta sauce is a sauce made from fresh ingredients without the need for cooking. The raw ingredients, like tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil, are combined and tossed with freshly cooked pasta, allowing the residual heat from the pasta to bring out the flavors of the sauce.

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Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce Ingredients

4 large ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
1 small bunch of fresh basil, leaves picked

1 clove garlic, minced
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

100g fresh mozzarella, torn into small pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)

Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

Start by chopping the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Place the tomatoes in a large mixing bowl along with the minced garlic. The freshness of the tomatoes is key to this dish, so choose the ripest ones you can find.

2. Add the Olive Oil and Vinegar

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes and garlic. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Tear the Basil and Mozzarella

Tear the fresh basil leaves into the bowl with the tomatoes. Add the torn mozzarella pieces for extra creaminess and richness. Gently toss everything together.

4. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is resting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a small cup of the pasta cooking water.

5. Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

Add the hot pasta to the bowl with the no-cook sauce. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.

6. Serve Immediately

Serve the pasta immediately, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, and a few extra basil leaves for garnish.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce

Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or a fresh baguette pairs perfectly with this light pasta dish.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment.

Grilled Vegetables: Serve with a side of grilled zucchini, eggplant, or peppers for a more substantial meal.
Antipasti Platter: Pair with an antipasti platter of olives, cured meats, and cheese for a full Italian-inspired meal.
White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh flavors of the sauce.

Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce

Use Ripe Tomatoes: The quality of the tomatoes is key to the flavor of the sauce. Make sure they are ripe and juicy for the best results.
Let the Sauce Sit: Allowing the tomatoes to sit with the olive oil, garlic, and vinegar helps develop a more flavorful sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a little reserved pasta water when tossing the pasta with the sauce helps to emulsify the sauce and create a smooth coating on the pasta.

Fresh Herbs are Best: Use fresh basil for a burst of flavor. If basil isn’t available, try substituting with fresh parsley or arugula.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially with salt and pepper, to enhance the raw flavors.

Variations of Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce

Add Capers or Olives: For a briny kick, add some capers or sliced olives to the sauce.

Use Different Cheeses: Swap the mozzarella for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
Roasted Garlic: If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, try using roasted garlic instead of raw.
Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tuna for a heartier dish.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a touch of heat.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce?

Refrigerate: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before tossing with pasta.
Use Leftover Sauce as a Topping: You can use leftover sauce as a topping for bruschetta or serve it as a fresh dip for bread.

How to Reheat Jamie Oliver No-Cook Pasta Sauce Leftovers?

Stovetop Reheat: While this sauce is best served fresh, if you need to reheat the pasta, toss it in a pan over low heat with a splash of olive oil or water to refresh it.
Serve Cold: This pasta can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad, making it a great option for packed lunches.
Microwave: Microwave leftovers for 1-2 minutes, though the mozzarella may melt and change the texture.

Nutrition Value (per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 45g

Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 400mg

FAQs

Can I make no-cook pasta sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make no-cook pasta sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best flavor, let the sauce come to room temperature before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta.

What type of tomatoes are best for no-cook pasta sauce?

Ripe, fresh tomatoes like Roma, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes work best for no-cook pasta sauce. Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a flavorful sauce without the need for cooking.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs in no-cook pasta sauce?

While fresh herbs like basil are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. However, reduce the amount, as dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor. Start with about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

What is the best pasta to use with no-cook pasta sauce?

Long pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are ideal for no-cook pasta sauce because they easily coat with light, fresh sauce. However, short pasta like penne or rigatoni can also work well for a heartier dish.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s no-cook pasta sauce is a brilliant, simple recipe for when you want something fresh, flavorful, and quick. With ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella, this sauce is a refreshing change from the typical cooked pasta sauces. Pair it with your favorite pasta, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!

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