Easy Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
finely diced
- 3-5 cloves garlic
minced or put through a garlic press
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- pinch red pepper flakes
about 1/4 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pat butter
about 2 teaspoons
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup water
Directions
- 1
Heat the olive oil over high heat until it shimmers. Saute the onions, stirring frequently, until they soften and shine, about three minutes. The onions should sizzle and hiss as they cook. Add the garlic. Stir to combine. This prevents the garlic from burning. Cook an additional two minutes. Add the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Stir to combine. Add the butter. Stir, cook for about a minute.
- 2
Add 1/2 can of the crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pan to remove any stuck on bits. Reduce heat to low. Add remaining tomatoes. Stir in 1/4 cup water. If the sauce seems too thick, add additional water.
- 3
Allow sauce to simmer for 10 minutes to up to one hour. If simmering for a longer, stir the sauce occasionally and add additional water as needed to keep the sauce at the correct consistency.
Easy Pasta Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving a deeply flavorful, homemade pasta sauce but short on time? This Easy Pasta Sauce recipe is your answer, delivering rich, savory goodness in a remarkably quick 10-minute cook time.
The Secret to Speedy Flavor
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its ability to build substantial flavor without hours on the stove. By starting with aromatic olive oil, finely diced onion, and plenty of garlic, you're laying a foundational layer that quickly permeates the sauce. The addition of dried basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and a touch of sugar and butter ensures a balanced, complex profile that tastes anything but rushed.
Expect a vibrant, luscious tomato sauce with a comforting aroma that will fill your kitchen. It's a robust sauce, rich with the concentrated flavor of crushed tomatoes, brightened by the herbs, and given a subtle warmth from the red pepper flakes. The touch of butter and sugar expertly rounds out the acidity, creating a smooth, velvety finish that clings beautifully to pasta. This simple preparation belies a deeply satisfying result, perfect for weeknight meals.
Customization & Variations
This versatile sauce serves as an excellent base for various culinary adventures. For a heartier meal, consider stirring in cooked ground meat like beef or sausage. To boost the vegetable content, wilt in some fresh spinach or add finely diced bell peppers during the onion sautéing stage. If you're out of dried basil, a mix of dried oregano and marjoram can offer a similar aromatic profile.
Serve this delightful Easy Pasta Sauce over your favorite pasta shape for a classic meal, or use it as a foundational layer in lasagna, baked ziti, or as a vibrant dipping sauce for garlic bread. It’s perfect for any occasion when you desire comforting, authentic flavor without the fuss.