Description
This delicious tomato sauce, made with fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs, is the perfect complement to your favorite ravioli. Rich in flavor and easy to prepare, it enhances any pasta dish with its vibrant taste.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the onion is softened, add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the garlic and onion mixture.
- Next, add the tomato paste to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to mix it thoroughly with the diced tomatoes, ensuring there are no lumps of paste remaining.
- Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the mixture well to incorporate all the herbs and spices evenly throughout the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference. Remember that the flavors will deepen as the sauce simmers.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Cover the skillet with a lid, leaving it slightly ajar to let steam escape. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you have more time, allowing it to simmer for up to an hour will enhance the flavors even further.
- As the sauce simmers, taste it periodically and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness and flavor, remove it from the heat. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your liking.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness. This will add a vibrant flavor and color to your sauce.
- Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
- Cook your favorite ravioli according to the package instructions. Fresh ravioli typically takes about 3-5 minutes to cook, while frozen ravioli may take a bit longer.
- Once the ravioli is cooked, drain it gently and return it to the pot. Be careful not to break the delicate pasta.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked ravioli, using a spatula or spoon to gently toss the pasta in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve the ravioli immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the dish before serving, and enjoy with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes