Priano sauce is a line of premium pasta sauces made by The Sausage Maker, Inc. Based in Buffalo, New York, The Sausage Maker has been producing high-quality sausage and meat products since 1976. In the 1990s, they expanded into gourmet pasta sauces, launching the Priano brand. Priano aims to recreate the authentic flavors of old-world Italian cooking using quality ingredients. The sauces are made in small batches and feature recipes crafted by Italian American founder Vic Priano. With a focus on taste and tradition over mass production, Priano has earned a reputation for excellent flavor in the gourmet and specialty food industry.
Origin and History
Priano sauce originated from Vic Priano’s passion for Italian cooking and sausage making. Growing up in an Italian American family, he learned traditional recipes and techniques from his mother and grandmother. In 1976, he founded The Sausage Maker, Inc. to share his love of sausage with others. As the business grew successful over the next twenty years, Priano saw an opportunity to expand into pasta sauces. Drawing inspiration from his family recipes, he worked to develop a line of premium pasta sauces focused on authentic old-world taste.
The Priano brand launched in the mid-1990s with an initial line-up of six varieties: Marinara, Tomato Basil, Arrabbiata, Bolognese, Alfredo, and Pesto. Vic Priano crafted each recipe himself, emphasizing fresh ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, and herbs. Keeping production small-batch allowed for artisanal quality control. Priano tasted every sauce produced to ensure consistency and flavor. Through word-of-mouth and positive reviews, the sauces quickly gained popularity for their homemade taste, earning Priano a reputation as a premium gourmet brand.
Product Expansion
As Priano sauce increased in popularity over the 2000s, the product line expanded to offer more specialty flavors. New additions included sauces like Vodka, Puttanesca, Boscaiola, Carbonara, and Cacciatore. Priano also began offering more organic, gluten-free, and low-sodium options. In 2010, the company introduced a line of three pepper infused olive oils. The distinctive flavor profiles ranged from a robust & spicy Italian olive oil to a smooth & buttery Tuscan olive oil. Two wine vinegars, Italian Red Wine and Champagne, were also added to incorporate into recipes. This product diversity allows home cooks to explore new dishes while maintaining Priano’s standards of quality.
Ingredients
The hallmark of Priano sauce is simple, fresh ingredients inspired by Italian tradition. Ripe tomatoes and olive oil serve as the base of most Priano sauces. Tomatoes are crushed and simmered down into a thick, rich concentrate for bold tomato flavor. Extra virgin olive oil from Italy provides smooth texture and fruity aroma. Onions, garlic, and fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley add layers of savory flavor. Priano sauces highlight quality over quantity, typically using just 6-12 wholesome ingredients.
Here are some of the key ingredients found across Priano sauces:
- Tomatoes – vine-ripened, crushed and concentrated
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and Italian parsley
- Spices and chili flakes
- Dry aged Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Romano
- Wine and vinegar
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
Priano sauces achieve robust flavor through simple, high-quality ingredients, avoiding artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The result is an authentic, restaurant-quality sauce perfect for pasta night at home.
Production Process
From raw ingredients to finished sauce, Priano adheres to a meticulous production process focused on quality:
- Ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, including vine-ripened tomatoes, Italian olive oil, and imported cheeses.
- Tomatoes are washed, crushed, and slowly reduced into a thick paste in small batches.
- Onions, garlic, and herbs are chopped and sauteed in olive oil.
- The ingredients are combined in large kettles and simmered until thick and flavorful.
- Cheeses, spices, wine, and other ingredients are added for each sauce variety.
- The sauces are stirred continuously to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, the sauce is bottled hot to lock in flavor and texture.
- Bottles are cooled then labeled for the Priano brand.
- Vic Priano taste-tests random bottles from each batch to ensure quality before shipment.
This meticulous process allows Priano to meet their high standards for taste and maintain control over each artisanal batch. Automated mass production is avoided in favor of small-batch quality.
Priano Sauce Varieties
The Priano line includes 25+ premium pasta sauce varieties to suit every taste and recipe need. Here are some of the most popular Priano sauces:
Marinara Sauce
Priano Marinara is a classic tomato-based Italian sauce. It features a simple ingredient list of vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, onions, and Italian herbs. With a smooth, full-bodied tomato flavor, it’s excellent on pasta, pizza, meatballs, or as a dipping sauce. A touch of wine vinegar adds depth.
Tomato Basil Sauce
One of Priano’s signature flavors, Tomato Basil highlights the flavors of ripe tomato and fresh basil. It strikes a perfect balance between savory and sweet. Use it to make chicken parmesan, shrimp scampi, or caprese salad.
Arrabbiata Sauce
For those who like heat, Arrabbiata delivers bold spice from crushed red pepper flakes. Tart tomatoes and garlic temper the heat. The “angry sauce” pairs well with spicy Italian sausage over penne.
Vodka Sauce
A smooth, luxurious sauce with a hint of sweetness, Priano Vodka Sauce features tomato with onion, prosciutto, and vodka. Cream cheese and Parmesan give it a silky texture. Enjoy over fettuccine or tortellini.
Pesto Sauce
Bursting with fresh basil flavor, Priano Pesto is great for chicken, seafood, vegetables, paninis, and pasta. Toasted pine nuts and Italian Parmesan lend nutty, savory notes.
Alfredo Sauce
Creamy Alfredo sauce complements chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms. Priano Alfredo is made with butter, cream, and aged Parmesan for rich flavor without being overly heavy.
Nutrition
Priano sauces are lower in sodium, fat, and calories compared to many leading brands. Most Priano sauces contain around 60-90 calories per 1/2 cup serving. They are made without added sugars or artificial additives. For those with special dietary needs, Priano offers organic, gluten-free, and low sodium options.
Here is a nutritional comparison of Priano Marinara sauce versus Ragu Traditional Marinara (per 1/2 cup serving):
| Sauce | Calories | Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Priano Marinara | 60 | 3.5g | 460mg |
| Ragu Marinara | 80 | 3g | 790mg |
As shown, Priano has fewer calories and significantly less sodium than the leading brand. Lower sodium intake can benefit heart health.
Where to Buy
Priano sauces are sold in gourmet markets, independent retailers, and online in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe. Popular grocery outlets like Wegmans and Whole Foods also carry the Priano brand. The sauces typically retail around $6-$9 per 24-28 ounce jar. Many stores offer seasonal discounts on cases for bulk purchase. Priano sauce can also be ordered directly online through retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, SauceSource.com, and SpecialtyFood.com for convenient home delivery.
How to Use
Priano sauces shine when paired with fresh, quality ingredients. Here are some tips for bringing out the best flavor:
- Cook pasta al dente – tender but with a firm bite.
- Reserve a bit of starchy pasta water to thin sauce and emulsify flavors.
- Sauté vegetables, chicken, or shrimp before adding sauce.
- Simmer meatballs, chicken, or sausage right in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes.
- For Pizza, use Priano sauce in place of dough sauce.
- For sandwiches or paninis, spread sauce on bread before adding fillings.
Any Priano variety can be tweaked to suit personal tastes. Add more garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Thin with pasta water, olive oil, or mascarpone for a creamy texture. Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chilies. The possibilities are endless for creating delicious Italian dishes at home.
Customer Reviews
Across retailers, Priano sauces consistently earn top marks and 5-star reviews from passionate home cooks. Customers praise the fresh-tasting, authentic Italian flavors. Many say the sauces are restaurant-quality and better than leading brands. The most common compliments are on Priano’s smooth texture, balance of seasonings, and use of quality ingredients. Here are examples of positive reviews:
“This sauce is amazingly fresh and flavorful. You can tell it’s made with high-quality ingredients. My family always asks for Priano when we do Italian night.”
“The Arrabbiata sauce has the perfect amount of spice and garlicky flavor. So much more authentic tasting than jarred sauce from the supermarket.”
“I don’t know how they do it, but Priano Alfredo Sauce is rich and creamy without being heavy or gloppy. It’s my go-to for date nights now!”
While personal preferences vary, most reviews suggest Priano sauces are on par with sauces found at Italian restaurants made fresh daily. Customers find them far superior to mass-produced brands in terms of taste and quality. For authentic restaurant-worthy Italian cuisine at home, Priano earns top recommendations from happy customers.
Conclusion
For over 25 years, Priano sauce has been producing premium Italian sauces using Vic Priano’s cherished family recipes and artisanal processes. Their focus on quality ingredients and small-batch production results in excellent flavor reminiscent of homemade cooking. With a diverse range of sauces, Priano offers options for every palate and recipe from classic marinara to unique vodka cream. Their products have earned high praise from both gourmet retailers and passionate home cooks. For authentic, restaurant-quality Italian cuisine in your own kitchen, Priano sauce delivers on taste and tradition.