Simplify Dinner with Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious and nutritious meal can be a challenge. However, with a few simple shortcuts and semi-homemade recipes, you can simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor or quality. One classic dish that can be easily made with semi-homemade ingredients is spaghetti with homemade sauce. By using a combination of store-bought and fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.

One of the key components of a delicious spaghetti is the sauce, and with a semi-homemade approach, you can create a flavorful and rich sauce without spending hours in the kitchen. By using a few store-bought ingredients as a base and adding your own fresh touches, you can have a delicious sauce that tastes like it was made from scratch.

To make semi-homemade spaghetti sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce
– 1 can of tomato paste
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes)

To start, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Next, add the store-bought marinara sauce to the saucepan, followed by the tomato paste. Stir well to combine the ingredients, then add the dried oregano and basil, salt, and pepper. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, you can also add a tablespoon of sugar at this point.

Allow the sauce to simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. As the sauce simmers, the flavors will meld together and develop a rich and delicious taste.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it is ready to be served over your favorite cooked spaghetti. Top it off with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and you have a simple yet satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.

Semi-homemade spaghetti sauce is a great way to simplify dinner without sacrificing flavor. By using a few store-bought ingredients as a base and adding your own fresh touches, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. So, the next time you are short on time but still want a home-cooked meal, consider making semi-homemade spaghetti sauce for a quick and delicious dinner.