30-Minute Pasta Sauce Recipe
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 164.9 per serving
Rating: 5 stars from 5 reviews
Keywords: Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Less than 30 Minutes, Easy
Description:
Elevate your pasta game with this delectable 30-minute pasta sauce, crafted to perfection in the comfort of your kitchen. Unlike traditional sauces that simmer for hours, this recipe offers a quicker yet equally satisfying alternative to jarred sauces. Bursting with flavor and versatility, you can easily adjust the seasonings to your preference, ensuring a personalized culinary experience. And trust me, when it comes to the olive oil, resist the urge to cut back – its richness enhances every bite of pasta, transforming a simple dish into a gourmet delight.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon fennel seed
- 6-10 garlic cloves
- 1 can tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
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Heat the oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow it to warm up, releasing its aromatic essence.
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Saute the aromatics: Add the red pepper flakes, fennel seed, and garlic cloves to the skillet. Saute for a couple of minutes, ensuring the garlic turns golden but not brown, infusing the oil with their bold flavors.
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Incorporate the tomatoes: Next, add the canned tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried basil, marjoram, oregano, and salt, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients into a harmonious medley.
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Simmer to perfection: Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once it reaches a steady simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it cook, uncovered, for approximately 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and vibrant sauce.
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Combine with pasta: Once the sauce has achieved its desired consistency and flavor profile, it’s time to marry it with cooked pasta of your choice. Toss the pasta with the sauce until evenly coated, ensuring every strand is adorned with the luscious sauce.
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Serve and enjoy: Plate up your pasta masterpiece and savor each mouthful of culinary bliss. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of chopped herbs for an extra touch of elegance.
Recipe Notes:
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Customize to taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of garlic, herbs, and spices according to your personal preference. Whether you prefer a bold garlic flavor or a hint of spice, tailor the sauce to suit your palate.
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Onion option: For added depth of flavor, consider sauteing half an onion along with the garlic. This enhances the complexity of the sauce, elevating it to new heights of gastronomic delight.
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Fresh herb substitution: While dried herbs offer convenience and longevity, you can opt for fresh herbs for a burst of vibrant flavor. Simply double the quantity of fresh herbs and add them during the final few minutes of cooking to preserve their delicate essence.
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Enhance with shrimp: Elevate your pasta dish by adding raw, peeled shrimp to the sauce during the final five minutes of cooking. The shrimp will cook gently in the simmering sauce, infusing it with a delightful seafood essence, perfect for shrimp pasta enthusiasts.
Indulge in the culinary marvel of this 30-minute pasta sauce, where simplicity meets sophistication, and every bite is a celebration of flavor. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend feast, this recipe promises to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and wholesome meal.
