Pomodoro sauce is one of the most iconic sauces in Italian cooking. It is simple, balanced, and built around high-quality tomatoes. But behind every great pomodoro, there is a story.
For Chef Scott Conant, pomodoro was never just another sauce. It became the dish that defined his restaurants, built his reputation, and ultimately led to the creation of Martone Street.
Pomodoro sauce is a smooth Italian tomato sauce made with tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and basil. It is lighter than marinara and focuses on clean, balanced flavor. Chef Scott Conant made this sauce famous in his restaurants, and after years of development, brought that same restaurant-quality experience into a jar with Martone Street’s Signature Pomodoro, available online and in-store at Sprouts Farmers Markets, Erewhon, DeCicco & Sons, and Raley’s nationwide.
What Is Pomodoro Sauce?
Pomodoro sauce comes from the Italian word for tomato, “pomodoro.” It is a smooth, lightly cooked tomato sauce designed to highlight the natural flavor of the tomatoes.
At its core, it is about restraint. Simple ingredients, executed perfectly.
That philosophy is exactly what made Chef Scott Conant’s version stand out. Back in 2008, his Pasta al Pomodoro began gaining attention at one of his New York City restaurants. Guests kept coming back for the same reason. The sauce was simple, but unforgettable.
Key Ingredients and Flavor Profile
Traditional pomodoro sauce uses a short list of ingredients. Tomatoes are the star. Olive oil adds richness. Garlic brings depth. Fresh basil finishes it with brightness.
When done right, the sauce tastes clean, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. There is nothing to hide behind, which is why ingredient quality matters so much.
Pomodoro vs Marinara: What’s the Difference?
Texture and Style
Pomodoro is smooth and refined. Marinara is chunkier and more rustic.
Flavor Focus
Pomodoro highlights the tomato itself. Marinara leans more on garlic, herbs, and seasoning.
When to Use Each
Pomodoro is best when you want a clean, balanced sauce that complements your dish. Marinara works better when you want something bolder.
The Sauce That Built a Reputation
As Chef Scott Conant expanded his restaurants from New York City to Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Toronto, one dish followed him everywhere. Pasta al Pomodoro.
At its peak, his restaurants were serving tens of thousands of orders every single month. Guests consistently called it the best sauce they had ever tasted.
He shared the recipe publicly so people could try it at home. But there was a catch. The process was time consuming. Getting it right required patience, precision, and the right ingredients.
Why It Took Years to Put Pomodoro in a Jar
For years, people asked Chef Conant the same question. Why not jar the sauce?
The answer was simple. He refused to do it unless it tasted exactly like it did in his restaurants.
That meant no shortcuts. No added sugar. No preservatives. No citric acid. No seed oils.
In 2022, everything changed. After years of searching, the right tomatoes were finally sourced. From there, the recipe was tested and refined again and again until it matched the original.
The result is the Signature Pomodoro. A sauce that delivers restaurant-level quality, without compromise.
From Family Roots to Martone Street
Martone Street is more than a brand name. It is personal.
The name comes from the street where Chef Scott Conant’s grandfather built their family home in Connecticut in 1945. That connection to family, tradition, and home cooking is at the core of everything the brand represents.
In 2025, Martone Street officially launched. The sauce debuted online and quickly expanded into more than 477 Sprouts Farmers Markets across the country. Today, it is also available at Erewhon, DeCicco & Sons, and Raley’s nationwide, bringing that same restaurant experience into kitchens everywhere.
You can shop directly at Martone Street or find a nearby retailer using the store locator.
How To Use Pomodoro Sauce
Pomodoro sauce works best in dishes where the sauce enhances the ingredients instead of overpowering them.
Pasta al Pomodoro
This is the dish that started it all. If you want to recreate it at home, you can follow Chef Scott Conant’s exact approach with this Pasta al Pomodoro recipe.
Seafood Pasta
The clean, balanced flavor makes pomodoro perfect for seafood. Try it in this Linguine with Red Clam sauce for a lighter, restaurant-style dish at home.
Everyday Cooking
From pizza to chicken parmigiana to gnocchi, pomodoro sauce is one of the most versatile staples you can keep in your kitchen.
Explore more ideas on the Martone Street recipes page.
Is Pomodoro Sauce Healthy?
Pomodoro sauce is one of the cleaner options when it comes to pasta sauces. It is built on simple, real ingredients.
Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene. Olive oil adds healthy fats. When made properly, it is a balanced option that fits easily into everyday cooking.
What to Look for in a Jarred Pomodoro Sauce
Simple Ingredients
The best sauces keep it simple. Tomatoes should always be the first ingredient.
No Added Sugar or Preservatives
High-quality tomatoes do not need added sugar. A clean ingredient list is a strong signal of quality.
True to Restaurant Flavor
The sauce should taste like it was made in a kitchen, not a factory.
A Memory in the Making
Pomodoro sauce is simple, but when done right, it becomes something more.
That is the idea behind Martone Street. It is not just about convenience. It is about bringing a restaurant-quality experience into your home, without losing the authenticity that made the dish special in the first place.
As Chef Scott Conant says, it is not just food, it is a memory in the making.
