Perfect Pasta Sauce for Your Weeknight Dinners

Looking for a quick and delicious pasta sauce recipe that can turn any simple dinner into a delightful meal? This perfect pasta sauce is just what you need! With a simple yet flavorful base, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. The preparation time is about 30 minutes, and it serves four people generously.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh)
• 1/2 cup red wine or tomato paste for flavoring
• 400 grams canned crushed tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a homemade, heartwarming meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful pasta sauce!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven or prepare the stovetop.

If you’re using a stove top, start by heating up a large pan over medium heat. For an oven option, preheat it to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 175 Celsius).

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables in olive oil.

Add two tablespoons of olive oil into your heated pan. Once the oil is hot, add chopped onions and cook until they become translucent, approximately five minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute or so to bring out its flavors without burning it. The aroma will be unmistakable when you add the carrots; let them soften slightly before moving on.

Step 3: Blend in herbs.

Stir in oregano, which adds a classic Mediterranean touch to this sauce. Fresh or dried, it works wonders here. You can adjust according to your preference—just add more if you want stronger herb notes!

Tips & Variations:

1. Cooking with wine: If you don’t have red wine on hand but still wish for that extra depth of flavor, tomato paste is an excellent substitute. Just mix it up and simmer the mixture longer to concentrate its sweetness.
2. Using canned tomatoes vs fresh ones: Canned crushed tomatoes provide a rich base without needing too much chopping. However, if you prefer using fresh ingredients, slicing some ripe tomatoes can enhance the freshness of your meal.
3. Braising carrots gently: Carrots require less cooking time compared to onions and garlic but benefit from being braised slowly to maintain their natural sweetness until the end when combined with other ingredients.

Assembly and Cooking:

Add crushed tomatoes (or tomato paste) into the pan along with red wine if using, then season generously with salt. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat down significantly to simmer. Cover the pot, allowing the flavors to meld together for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Touches:

Once your sauce has thickened nicely and reached desired consistency, it’s ready to be enjoyed! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top when serving for that extra burst of flavor.

This homemade pasta sauce pairs excellently well with any type of pasta, including spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Serve it hot straight from the pan over your favorite noodles and enjoy a comforting meal right at home!