I Finally Found a Jarred Pasta Sauce That Rivals the Fresh Stuff in Italy (Now I Buy It Every Week)

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When I was first diagnosed with a digestive disorder called SIBO last spring, my doctor prescribed a low-FODMAP diet, which meant giving up foods that can exacerbate my symptoms — including my beloved garlic and onion. Not to be dramatic, but I couldn’t imagine a life without bolognese sauce and eggplant Parmesan.

As it turns out, I’m not the only one who struggles with alliums, like garlic and onion; they’re actually some of the most common triggers for gas and bloating. That explains why an increasing number of “sensitive marinaras,” which are free of alliums, have been popping up on grocery store shelves.

The only snag? Most of these marinaras are insufferably bland tasting — trust me, I’ve tried more than a few jars. Recently, though, I picked up the Carbone Marinara Delicato. After just one dinner, it gave me renewed hope that maybe I don’t have to forfeit my favorite Italian dishes after all.

What’s So Great About the Carbone Marinara Delicato?

When I spotted the Carbone Marinara Delicato sauce at my local Whole Foods, I immediately recognized the brand name. Carbone is a popular Italian-American restaurant co-founded by Mario Carbone, a chef who’s got several James Beard Award nominations under his belt. The restaurant has amassed quite an impressive celebrity clientele, including Rihanna, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Adele, and countless Kardashians, many of whom flock there for the famous Spicy Rigatoni Vodka.

Carbone Marinara Delicato Pasta Sauce

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While the Carbone Marinara Delicato may be void of garlic and onion, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find it’s definitely not short on flavor — in part because the first ingredient is 100% imported Italian tomatoes from the San Marzano region. San Marzano tomatoes are largely considered the crème de la crème when it comes to making sauces due to their lower water and acid content, thick flesh, bolder tomatoey flavor, and few seeds. The Carbone Marinara Delicato, which is made in small batches, is also vegan, gluten-free, and contains no added sugar. Aside from tomatoes, the only other ingredients are carrots, celery, sea salt, basil, and oregano. IMO, the beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity: it’s a versatile canvas for such a wide range of dishes, like stuffed shells, quick chicken cacciatore, and gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

What’s the Best Way to Enjoy Carbone Marinara Delicato?

Since I first discovered Carbone Marinara Delicato, it’s become a weekly staple on our grocery list. I’ve used it to make baked chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, and veggie lasagna — all of which are a hit with my garlic-loving husband, who doesn’t have any allium sensitivities.

While the sauce holds up on its own, I’ve learned a few ways to jazz up the flavor depending on the dish I’m making. When I’m cooking a simple pasta dish, I’ll sometimes add pitted and halved olives or capers for a salty, briny punch. Or, I might use red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste to amp up the heat. If I have the time, I’ll sauté mushrooms and toss those in to give the sauce a rich, umami flavor.

I also find that stirring in a glug of olive oil or a pat of butter gives it a smoother texture and richer flavor — and even helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes. When I have fresh herbs on hand, I also like to add some fresh basil right before serving.

The bottom line? Carbone’s Delicato sauce means you can have your marinara — even if garlic and onions are off-limits — and you don’t even have to sacrifice flavor. 

Buy: Carbone Marinara Delicato Pasta Sauce, $22.26 for two at Amazon.com, $26.96 for four at CarboneFineFood.com

Further Reading

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