Easy Tomato Blue Cheese Sauce

Kick off a flavor explosion with our Easy Tomato Blue Cheese Sauce recipe! This mix of creamy blue cheese and ripe tomatoes packs a punch, making any pasta dish a hit. It’s simple, quick to whip up, and guaranteed to be a new family favorite.

Do not forget to check out my Chefs Tips and Wine Pairings sections below!

You are going to love this! It’s our Simple Tomato and Blue Cheese Sauce with a twist!

This incredibly flavorful sauce combines the tanginess of blue cheese with the sweetness of tomatoes – classic right?

It’s quick and easy to make. You are going to be adding some excitement to your weekday meals with this one for sure. The focus here is on flavors and easy preparation.

Whip up this sauce tonight and watch your family gobble it up! And ask for seconds… and ask for thirds… You get the point!

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How to make Easy Tomato Blue Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Sauté shallots with red pepper flakes, black pepper, and herbs in olive oil.
2. Add garlic and tomato pastes, cooking until fragrant.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and wine. Simmer, then stir in cream, blue cheese, and Parmesan until melted.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
2. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs for added flavor.

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Take It to the Next Level

• Up the umami of the sauce by adding a touch of anchovy paste for a flavor boost without any fishy taste. You could also caramelize the shallots for even more Umami.
• Use San Marzano tomatoes for your diced tomatoes to create a sweeter and less tangy sauce.
• Crisp up pancetta until brown for a smoky crunch then sauté shallots for added depth of flavor.
• Try out Gorgonzola Dolce Use this milder, sweeter blue cheese for a creamier texture and flavor.
• Roast garlic and herbs to infuse the sauce with complex flavors; simmer with a bouquet garni for added depth.
• Select a quality red wine for cooking and serving to enrich the sauce and complement your meal perfectly.
• Level up the presentation by garnishing with flowers to add color and subtle hints. For some awesome ideas, check this out: 10 plating ideas
• Pair your dish with herb focaccia, ideal, for soaking up the creamy sauce and offering an extra layer of flavor.

Chefs tips

• Remember to salt your pasta water. You can go fairly heavy here.
• Save some of the pasta water before draining as it can be a game changer for adjusting the sauces thickness.
• Cook your pasta just until its firm to the bite (al dente) since it will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce. This prevents it from becoming too soft.

Take your time when simmering the sauce after adding tomatoes. Cooking on low heat allows flavors to develop without risking burning.

• Don’t forget to taste as you cook and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper or balsamic vinegar according to your liking. Trust your sense of taste.
• Opt for fresh herbs. Like basil or sage added before serving to maintain their flavors and add a fresh umph!
• Allow cheeses to come up to room temperature before incorporating them into the sauce. Melting will be a lot more even.
• Consider adding more heavy cream if you prefer a richer sauce consistency.
• Allow the dish to sit for a moment before serving. Allowing the pasta to rest for a minute after mixing it with the sauce helps blend all the flavors.

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Key Ingredients

Ziti Pasta: The perfect base for the dish. Its (totally) tubular – 80’s reference, anyone?? shape holds onto the sauce, making sure every bite is loaded with flavor.

Tomato Paste: Is the secret weapon here because It is loaded with intense tomato flavor

Blue Cheese: Here’s where things get exciting! The tangy, bold flavor of blue cheese adds a fun twist to the sweet tomato sauce, making this dish totally unique.

Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce that creamy texture. It smooths out the tanginess of the tomatoes absolutely perfectly

Balsamic Vinegar: A small splash adds a nice balance of sweetness and acidity

Shallots: Shallots add a subtle and sweet onion taste to the sauce.

Wine Pairings

• Pinot Noir: Its light to medium body and fruity flavors beautifully contrast to the richness of the sauce. The earthy undertones also emphasize the herbs in the recipe.
• Chardonnay: A Chardonnay, one aged in oak complements the creamy texture. Its buttery hints and little bit of acidity create a very nice balance.
• Zinfandel: The bold fruitiness and spicy notes of this wine pair well with the sauce and tangy cheese. Opting for a Zinfandel with lower alcohol content keeps the balance.
• Sangiovese: With its acidity and rustic flavors Sangiovese is a such a great match for the tomato based sauce. Its cherry and herbal nuances complement the dishes complexity. Ok, now that was a good description if I do say so myself!
• Merlot: A softer more fruity Merlot enhances the elements of the sauce without overshadowing them. The smooth tannins and flavors of cherry and plum are just right.

Faq’s

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a large pot to cook the ziti until its just tender

A colander to drain the pasta after cooking

A large skillet or sauté pan

A spoon or spatula for stirring and ensuring even cooking

Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements

A cheese grater for freshly grated Parmesan if using block cheese

And a knife with a cutting board for chopping shallots and mincing garlic. You may also consider using a press, for garlic preparation.