Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step towards recreating the magic of this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving)
Feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes for canned if you prefer a fresher taste, and if you’re out of olive oil, butter works as a lovely alternative.
Instructions
Here’s how to bring this dish from my family’s table to yours:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, a pinch more sugar can help balance it out.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat all the noodles evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
As Mama Lou always did, remember to taste as you go. This ensures that your sauce is just right and allows you to make adjustments based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
