RECIPE: Classic Pasta Dishes 3 Ways

There’s nothing like a delicious, comforting plate of silky Penne Ala Vodka, or a hearty plate of Spaghetti Marinara. With a few simple alterations you can easily enjoy both

RECIPE
Pasta Sauces: Classic Marinara, Meat & Vodka Sauce

Ready in 1 hour

Serves 4 people

Double all ingredients for a week of meal prep   

Ingredients

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes 
  • 1 Yellow or white onion 
  • 1 vegetable broth
  • Olive oil
  • 5 or 6 cloves of garlic
  • Italian herbs : oregano, basil, garlic powder etc ( separate seasoning or you can use an italian blend ) 
  • OPTIONAL FOR VODKA SAUCE: 1 cream cheese  
  • OPTIONAL FOR MEAT SAUCE: 1 pack of ground beef

Preparation

  1. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil. You want to heat the oil on medium heat.  Add the diced onion with a little pinch of salt. When they start to become translucent add the garlic. Cook them until they become fragrant, slightly golden, and  soft. If you are making a meat sauce, add the beef at the is step.
  2. Add the crushed tomatoes. Tomatoes are acidic so you want to cook them for a while with  the onions and garlic to cut the acidity. Season at this step, some herbs, salt, and garlic. Lower to medium low heat. 
  3. Add ¾ of a vegetable broth. At this point you need to season again. Feel free to add the same herbs, salt, butter or oil. 
  4. Bring to a simmer. Keep the sauce uncovered and turn to a medium low heat. You want the sauce to come to a rolling simmer where you see bubbles. Stir every 5-10 minutes. 
  5. Optional: If you are making a vodka sauce, add one softened cream cheese. Cover the pot and stir frequently. It should melt down and be a velvety soft pink color.

Tips

Add seasoning to your taste at the end