Despite its name, which means “in the style of Genoa,” Genovese sauce is a principal pasta sauce of Naples and an important part of its culinary history, having been introduced to the city in the 15th or 16th centuries.
The sauce may have been brought by Genovese immigrants or merchants, at a time when Genoa and Naples were two of Italy’s most important ports.
It could also be referring to its inventor’s name, since Genovese is a widespread surname in Campania. Genovese sauce is now unknown beyond Campania.
