Why I Put White Wine In Basically Everything

Why I Put White Wine In Basically Everything is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 80 calories per serving. Recipe by Adam Ragusea on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 25 min

Cost: $2.26 total, $0.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 14 oz Crushed Tomatoes (canned, no added salt)
  • 1 oz Dry White Wine (Pinot Grigio or other dry white wine, not sweet)
  • 1 pinch Salt (kosher or table salt)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Measure Ingredients

    Open the can of crushed tomatoes, measure out 1 oz of dry white wine, and have a pinch of salt ready.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Heat the Saucepan

    Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it warm for about a minute.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Combine Tomatoes and Wine

    Add the entire can of crushed tomatoes to the pan, pour in the 1 oz of white wine, and stir to combine.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Season

    Add a pinch of salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

    Time: PT0M

  5. Finish and Serve

    Remove the pan from heat. Toss with cooked pasta, use as pizza base, or store for later use.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
80
Protein
2 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Why I Put White Wine In Basically Everything

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A quick, easy tomato sauce enhanced with dry white wine for extra brightness, acidity, and depth of flavor. Inspired by Adam Ragusea's discussion on why white wine works so well in cooking, this sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

EasyItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
1m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.26
Total cost
$0.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Add the white wine before the sauce reaches a hard boil to preserve its subtle flavor.
  • Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to avoid bitterness.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot saucepan with care to avoid burns.
  • Alcohol will evaporate, but keep the pan away from open flames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of tomato sauce in Italian cuisine?

A

Tomato sauce became a staple of Italian cooking in the 18th century after tomatoes were introduced from the New World. It evolved from simple seasoned tomatoes to the rich, herb‑infused sauces we know today, forming the backbone of countless regional dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of tomato sauce in Italian cuisine?

A

Northern Italy often adds butter and cream, while Southern regions favor extra‑virgin olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. Some areas incorporate anchovies, capers, or wine, reflecting local tastes and ingredient availability.

cultural
Q

How is white wine traditionally used in Italian tomato sauces?

A

In many classic Italian recipes, a splash of dry white wine is added after sautéing aromatics and before simmering the tomatoes. The wine adds acidity and a subtle fruity note that brightens the sauce without overpowering it.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is tomato sauce traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Tomato sauce is central to everyday meals like pasta and pizza, but it also appears at family gatherings, holidays, and festive feasts where homemade pasta or lasagna is served as a celebratory dish.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with this white wine tomato sauce?

A

It pairs beautifully with spaghetti, linguine, penne, baked ziti, pizza Margherita, chicken parmigiana, and as a base for seafood stews like cioppino.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making white wine tomato sauce?

A

Common errors include adding the wine too early and boiling it off, which can create bitterness, and letting the sauce boil vigorously, which can make it overly acidic. Keep the heat gentle and add the wine after the aromatics have softened.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use dry white wine instead of red wine or vinegar?

A

Dry white wine provides balanced acidity and a subtle fruitiness without the tannins and heaviness of red wine, and it’s less sharp than straight vinegar, allowing the tomato’s natural sweetness to shine.

technical
Q

Can I make this white wine tomato sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead. Cool it quickly, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if it has thickened.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the white wine tomato sauce is done cooking?

A

The sauce should be a smooth, slightly thickened red with a glossy sheen. It should coat the back of a spoon and have a fragrant, balanced aroma of tomatoes and wine without any raw tomato bite.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea focuses on practical, science‑based cooking tutorials, recipe development, and food‑culture discussions, often emphasizing technique, ingredient function, and approachable home cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to cooking with wine differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea combines culinary science with personal experimentation, explaining why wine works chemically in dishes and testing alternatives, whereas many channels simply suggest wine without detailing its functional role.

channel

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