Description
Transform humble jarred pasta sauce into a rich, gourmet-tasting creation with a few simple additions and smart cooking techniques. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry red wine (e.g., Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon), optional
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 (24-28 ounce) jar good quality marinara or crushed tomato sauce
1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (or water)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), plus more for serving
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Do not brown excessively.
Step 2: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: If using, pour in the dry red wine. Let it simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
Step 4: Stir in the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of sugar. Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, allowing the dried herbs to 'bloom'.
Step 5: Pour in the jarred pasta sauce and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 6: Reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer for deeper flavor (up to an hour), stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or acidity with another pinch of sugar or a tiny splash of balsamic vinegar/lemon juice if needed.
Step 8: Serve hot over your favorite pasta, polenta, or as a base for other dishes. Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality jarred marinara as your base. Don't skip the fresh aromatics (onion and garlic) as they build the foundational flavor. A long, slow simmer will deepen the flavors significantly. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to 3 months. Don't forget to use high-quality Basics Glass Food Storage containers for easy storage!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Sauces Dressings & Condiments
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
