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Easy Gourmet First Apartment Pasta Sauce from a Jar

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A quick and comforting pasta sauce recipe that upgrades a simple jar of pasta sauce with pantry staples and fresh herbs, perfect for busy weeknights or first apartment cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 24 oz (680 g) jarred pasta sauce (marinara or tomato basil)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp red wine or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar

Instructions

  1. Mince 3 cloves of garlic, finely dice 1 small yellow onion, and chop a handful of fresh basil. Measure out your spices and liquids.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Toast lightly for about 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in the entire 24 oz jar of pasta sauce and stir to combine with the aromatics.
  7. Add 2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir well to blend flavors.
  8. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. Stir in chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving.
  11. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta.

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick during simmering, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it. Use good-quality olive oil and jarred sauce for best flavor. Toast dried herbs lightly to release aromas. Adjust seasoning at the end to taste. Fresh basil added at the end preserves brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta sauce, jarred sauce, quick pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, first apartment cooking, homemade pasta sauce, marinara sauce, tomato basil sauce

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-gourmet-first-apartment-pasta-sauce-from-a-jar-recipe-for-quick-homemade-meals/