Olive Garden Siena Sauce

Olive Garden Siena Sauce is a rich, savory tomato-based sauce made with olives, capers, red bell peppers, and a splash of red wine for bold flavor. Finished with fresh basil, it’s perfect for pairing with pasta, chicken, or seafood.

Olive Garden’s Siena Sauce is a rich and savory blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and cream—bursting with bold Tuscan flavor. Whether you’re recreating a classic pasta dish or adding flair to chicken or seafood, this indulgent sauce brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Bold, Restaurant-Style Flavor – Bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a rich, savory taste just like Olive Garden’s.
• Quick & Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Versatile Sauce – Perfect for pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, or as a dip for crusty bread.
• Creamy & Comforting – The luscious cream base makes every bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
• Great for Entertaining – Impress guests with a homemade Italian-inspired dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Ingredients Needed

• Extra virgin olive oil – Adds rich flavor and helps sauté ingredients evenly.
• Chopped garlic – Brings aromatic depth and bold Italian flavor.
• Kalamata olives, chopped – Offers tangy, briny bite with Mediterranean flair.
• Green olives with pimiento, chopped – Adds mild saltiness and pop of color.
• Small capers, rinsed – Delivers sharp, tangy notes for balanced flavor.
• Red wine – Deepens the sauce with rich, bold complexity.
• Diced tomatoes – Adds juicy texture and natural tomato sweetness.
• Tomato puree – Creates a smooth, hearty base for the sauce.
• Salt – Enhances all the other savory flavors beautifully.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Gives a slight kick of gentle heat.
• Red bell peppers, chopped – Adds sweetness, color, and subtle crunch.
• Sugar – Balances the acidity of the tomato base.
• Fresh sweet basil leaves, chopped – Adds fresh, herbal brightness to finish.

How To Make Olive Garden Siena Sauce

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Olives and Capers: Stir in chopped Kalamata olives, green olives with pimientos, and rinsed capers. Cook for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.

Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in the red wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to concentrate.

Build the Tomato Base: Add diced tomatoes, tomato puree, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Add Bell Peppers and Simmer; Toss in the red bell pepper pieces. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Finish with Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Spoon over pasta, grilled chicken, or seafood for a bold and savory Olive Garden-inspired dish.

Olive Garden Siena Sauce Recipe Tips

• Chop ingredients evenly – Uniform pieces of olives, peppers, and tomatoes help the sauce cook evenly and create a balanced texture.
• Don’t skip the wine – Red wine adds depth and richness. If needed, substitute with low-sodium broth or grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.
• Use high-quality tomatoes – Good canned tomato puree and diced tomatoes make a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust the spice level – Add more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
• Simmer low and slow – Let the sauce cook gently to meld flavors and develop its signature richness.
• Stir in basil last – Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright, herbal notes.
• Make it creamy (optional) – For a richer twist, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Storing

• Storing: Let the Siena Sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4–5 days. Stir before reheating as the ingredients may separate slightly.
• Freezing: Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

Olive Garden Siena Sauce Recipe Faqs

What is Siena Sauce made of? Siena Sauce is a savory tomato-based sauce made with a blend of olives, capers, red bell peppers, garlic, red wine, and fresh basil, giving it a bold and tangy Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this sauce without wine? Yes! You can substitute red wine with low-sodium beef or vegetable broth, or use red grape juice for a non-alcoholic option.

Is Siena Sauce spicy? It has a mild heat from crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference or omit the flakes entirely.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh diced tomatoes and homemade puree—just be sure to simmer the sauce longer to develop rich flavor.

What’s the best way to serve Siena Sauce? It pairs perfectly with pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even as a topping for crusty bread or flatbreads.

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