Semi Homemade Spaghetti Sauce: A Time-Saving Recipe
When it comes to making a delicious and hearty spaghetti sauce, many home cooks may feel overwhelmed by the idea of spending hours in the kitchen. However, with the help of a few shortcuts, you can create a semi-homemade spaghetti sauce that is just as flavorful and satisfying as a from-scratch recipe, but takes a fraction of the time to prepare.
By combining store-bought ingredients with fresh herbs and spices, you can create a rich and robust sauce that is perfect for topping your favorite pasta. Not only does this recipe save time, but it also allows for flexibility and customization, making it easy to adjust the flavors to suit your personal preferences.
Semi-Homemade Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 jar of your favorite store-bought marinara sauce
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour the jar of marinara sauce and the can of diced tomatoes into the saucepan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce, stirring to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until it reaches your desired texture.
7. Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
This semi-homemade spaghetti sauce recipe is a great time-saving option for busy weeknights, and it can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to add in additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or experiment with different herbs and spices to create a sauce that is uniquely your own. With this recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.