Recreating the Magic: Tomato and Chicken Sauce, Just Like Nonna's!

In the rich tapestry of family traditions, few things hold as much significance as the culinary heritage passed down through generations. For my husband, a portion of his family's roots stretches back to Italian immigrants, making every visit to Nonna's home a cherished journey into the heart of authentic Italian cuisine. With Nonna's warm embrace and her kitchen's enticing aromas, he knew he was in for a culinary treat that transcended time and distance.

One of the fondest memories my husband holds dear is the large family gatherings at Nonna's house. The joy of these occasions were always accompanied by an array of delicious dishes, each prepared with love and a touch of tradition. Among them, one dish stood out—the delectable tomato sauce, a timeless masterpiece that summarized  Nonna's culinary skills.

While my husband humbly admits that his rendition of Nonna's tomato and chicken sauce isn't an exact replica, he proudly attests that it comes remarkably close. The flavors, the aromas, and the essence of tradition are all there, carrying on the legacy of Nonna's kitchen.

Ingredients for Nonna's Tomato and Chicken Sauce

• onion
• garlic clove
• olive oil
• canned tomatoes
• water
• bay leaf
• chicken thighs (skin on)
• Salt and black pepper

How to prepare this Tomato and Chicken Sauce

• In a cast iron pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for about 3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
• Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
• Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, into the pan and sear them for approximately 5 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes until they achieve a golden hue.
• Add the canned tomatoes and water to the pan. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for around 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the chicken will tenderize and separate from the bones.
• Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
• To serve, remove the chicken skin and bones. This mouthwatering sauce is the perfect accompaniment for 4 servings of pasta.More Pasta Sauce Recipes:
  • Chicken Alfredo 
  • Salsa Caruso: Famous Pasta Sauce from Uruguay
  • Pasta Carbonara with Mortadella
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  Nonna's Tomato and Chicken Sauce

  Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

  Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

  Servings 4

  Author Andrea

  Ingredients

  • 1 onion chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 28 oz (800g) canned tomatoes
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 chicken thighs skin on
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  Instructions

  • In a cast iron pan, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic for about 3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Season the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  • Place the chicken thighs, skin side down, into the pan and sear them for approximately 5 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes until they achieve a golden hue.
  • Add the canned tomatoes and water to the pan. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for around 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the chicken will tenderize and separate from the bones.
  • Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
  • To serve, remove the chicken skin and bones. This sauce is the perfect accompaniment for 4 servings of pasta.