How to Make Clemenza’s Spaghetti Sauce from The Godfather

Clemenza’s Spaghetti Sauce scene in The Godfather is iconic, and it actually tastes amazing!! For our Godfather movie night, we recreated his sauce recipe using tomatoes, sausages, and meatballs. It’s perfect for a special night in or just a family dinner!

Clemenza explains to Michael how to make the perfect sauce to feed a group, and we used this line from the movie to re-create his recipe!

“Heh, come over here, kid, learn something. You never know, you might have to cook for 20 guys someday. You see, you start out with a little bit of oil. Then you fry some garlic. Then you throw in some tomatoes, tomato paste, you fry it; ya make sure it doesn’t stick. You get it to a boil; you shove in all your sausage and your meatballs; heh…? And a little bit o’ wine. An’ a little bit o’ sugar, and that’s my trick.” — Clemenza in ‘The Godfather’”

We also shared our full Godfather movie night menu and ideas that you might like! We started with salami pinwheels that were delicious and super easy to make! The main course was of course this Godfather Spaghetti, and then dessert was “Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli Dip” that was so yummy and ready in just 5 minutes!

What You’ll Need to Make Clemenza’s Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
• 5 Italian sausages, grilled and sliced
• 1 lb meatballs, cooked (we used 12 meatballs)
• A splash of sweet red wine
• 1⁄4 cup sugar

How to Make Clemenza Spaghetti Sauce from The Godfather

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium to low heat.
2. Add in your garlic and cook with the oil for 1-2 minutes being careful not to let it the garlic burn.
3. Add in your cans of tomatoes and paste. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth (about 7-10 minutes).
4. Add in your (cooked) meats and stir until incorporated.
5. Add a splash of wine and sugar to taste.
6. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes – stirring occasionally. (You just want it to simmer vs a full boil).
7. Serve over your choice of pasta.

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Yield: 10

Clemenza Spaghetti Sauce from The Godfather

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Clemenza's Sauce scene in The Godfather is iconic, and it actually tastes amazing!! For our Godfather movie night, we recreated his sauce recipe using tomatoes, sausages, and meatballs. It's perfect for a special night in or just a family dinner!

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes
• 2 6-ounce cans tomato paste
• 5 Italian sausages, grilled and sliced
• 1 lb meatballs, cooked (we used 12 meatballs)
• A splash of sweet red wine
• 1⁄4 cup sugar

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium to low heat.
2. Add in your garlic and cook with the oil for 1-2 minutes being careful not to let it the garlic burn.
3. Add in your cans of tomatoes and paste. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth (about 7-10 minutes).
4. Add in your cooked meats and stir until incorporated.
5. Add a splash of wine and sugar to taste.
6. Reduce the heat to medium low and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes - stirring occasionally. (You just want it to simmer vs a full boil).
7. Serve over your choice of pasta.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 372Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 840mgCarbohydrates: 26gNet Carbohydrates: 20gFiber: 6gSugar: 17gProtein: 17g

Nutrition is only an approximate and does not include noodles.