Imagine a pasta sauce so simple yet so extraordinary that it will make your taste buds dance with delight! This Italian-inspired recipe breaks away from traditional marinara, offering a quick and delectable sauce that can elevate any pasta dish from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering sauce that proves culinary magic doesn't require complicated techniques or rare ingredients.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to shimmer and become fragrant.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent garlic from browning.
- Pour the entire can of crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Sprinkle dried basil over the sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste, gently mixing all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or basil to enhance the flavor profile.
- Remove from heat and let the sauce rest for 2-3 minutes before serving over your preferred pasta.
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor foundation
- Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop deep, rich flavors
- Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered to naturally thicken and concentrate flavors
- Taste and adjust seasonings gradually - you can always add more, but you can't take away
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine
- Fresh basil can be a wonderful garnish if you want to elevate the presentation
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future meals
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 113kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
