Tomato Sauce for Pasta: A Versatile Base for Your Culinary Creations
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Description
This delightful tomato sauce came to life spontaneously during one of my cooking adventures, and after my wife insisted I whip it up at least once a week, I realized I had stumbled upon a true gem. While this sauce stands wonderfully on its own, it also serves as an excellent canvas for creativity, allowing you to incorporate additional ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms, roasted peppers, or even spicy Italian sausage, should you desire a little extra flair. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend feast, this recipe is both simple and adaptable. Enjoy the process of making it uniquely yours!
Recipe Category
Sauces
Keywords
Vegetable, Low Protein, Under 30 Minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 – 2 cloves |
| Red Onion | ½, diced |
| Marsala Wine | ½ cup |
| Beef Bouillon Cube | 1 |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Fresh Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Basil | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Rosemary | 1 tablespoon |
| Heavy Cream | ½ cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Cooked Pasta | 12 oz (for serving) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 257.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 40.9 mg |
| Sodium | 471.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g |
| Sugars | 4.4 g |
| Protein | 1.9 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Base: Begin by heating a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the beef bouillon cube along with the diced red onion, fresh oregano, fresh basil, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic. Pour in ½ cup of marsala wine and sauté the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Adjusting Flavor: If the mixture seems a bit dry or if you desire a more robust flavor, feel free to add an additional splash of marsala wine to enhance the taste.
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Incorporating Tomato Sauce: Once the onions are perfectly softened, pour in the can of tomato sauce. Stir gently to blend everything together, ensuring that the rich aroma of the herbs and wine permeates the sauce.
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Simmering for Thickness: Let the sauce simmer over low heat, allowing it to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. As it simmers, add a splash of marsala wine to deepen the flavor even further.
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Final Touches: After achieving the desired thickness, stir in the heavy cream. This will give your sauce a creamy texture and rich taste, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
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Season to Perfection: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional few minutes to incorporate the seasoning fully.
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Serving: When your sauce is ready, ladle it generously over your choice of cooked pasta. Enjoy this delightful dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
This easy-to-make tomato sauce is sure to become a staple in your household, inviting experimentation with different ingredients and flavors. Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a gathering with friends, this sauce will surely impress. Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your dining table!
