Perfect Pasta Sauce Recipe

Serving a delicious homemade pasta sauce is one way to enhance your family’s mealtime experience. This recipe provides you with a simple yet flavorful dish that will leave your guests asking for seconds! With this easy-to-follow guide, you can make a hearty and satisfying pasta sauce at home in just 30 minutes, serving four people.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or canned)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup pasta of your choice (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional but recommended)

Instructions

To begin with, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Mince the garlic finely and add to the onions. Stir constantly for another minute to let the garlic lightly brown without burning.

Now, pour in the tomato sauce or paste and the diced tomatoes into the pan. If you prefer a bit of spice, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the mixture now.

Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper according to your preference. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce does not stick to the bottom of the pan. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cooks.

Pasta Preparation

While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta al dente following the package instructions for about 8-10 minutes or until the desired texture is achieved. Drain the pasta thoroughly once it’s done.

Topping and Serving

Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If you have any extra ingredients like fresh basil or mozzarella, feel free to add them now for additional flavor.

Serve immediately and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This pasta dish pairs wonderfully well with a simple salad on the side, and perhaps some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce!

Storage

If you have any leftovers, this delicious pasta sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully if you need to save it for later. Simply reheat gently on the stove or even in the microwave.

Additional Tips

• If you want to make your sauce creamier, blend half a cup of heavy cream into the simmering pasta and sauce mixture at the end.
• Pick any type of fresh herb that complements your taste buds. Fresh basil is a classic, but parsley or cilantro could also be used for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

With this homemade pasta sauce recipe, you can elevate any simple pasta dish into something truly special and unforgettable. It’s quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavors that everyone will love! Not only does it provide a hearty meal, but also an opportunity to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your personal preference.

Enjoy the process of creating this delicious sauce from scratch, and don't forget to share your creations with family and friends!

Cooking Time

Total Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Servings

4 servings