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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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