This is an easy pasta sauce that I use all the time. It is quick and really good. My husband likes me to add some ground meat to it to give it some more flavor. I like it without the meat. Either way it is good. It is adapted from a Martha Stewart recipe.
Easy Pasta Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces thin, best-quality spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red-pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (or 1 -2 teaspoons dried)
- Parmesan
- 1 pound of ground beef, cooked
In a tall stockpot, bring 3 quarts of water and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil.
Drop spaghetti into boiling water; stir. Cook until done, about 11 minutes, according to package instructions.
Place a pan over medium heat; add oil. Add garlic to pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until garlic is lightly golden, about 30 seconds. Add red-pepper flakes and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook until garlic is medium golden, about 30 seconds.
Increase heat to medium high. Add canned tomatoes and cook until they begin to thicken, 5 to 6 minutes. Add basil or parsley. Then add the meat.
Drain pasta in a colander, reserving 1 cup liquid in case sauce gets too dry. Add pasta to sauce in saute pan; cook until sauce begins to cling to pasta, 3 to 4 minutes. Add pasta water if needed. I usually add some about 1/2 cup pasta water. Divide among bowls, and sprinkle with cheese and serve.
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