Julie's Pasta Sauce

Discover the rich, homestyle flavors of Julie's Pasta Sauce, a quick and versatile recipe perfect for any pasta enthusiast. This 30-minute classic marinara is elevated with the perfect balance of aromatic garlic, sweet crushed tomatoes, and hints of dried oregano and basil, with the option to add a touch of cream for velvety richness. A sprinkle of sugar rounds out the acidity, while optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick of heat for those who love a spicy twist. Finished with fresh basil and a generous grating of parmesan cheese, this sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. Whether paired with your favorite pasta or used as a base for other Italian dishes, Julie’s Pasta Sauce is the ultimate go-to for easy, flavorful, and comforting meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring to combine.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.

Step 7

If desired, stir in the heavy cream during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a creamier sauce.

Step 8

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the fresh basil leaves.

Step 9

Serve the sauce immediately over cooked pasta of your choice, or store it for later use.

Step 10

Garnish individual servings with grated parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1224.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1242.7

Total Fat 84.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 39.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 162.3mg	0%
Sodium 4284.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 69.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 37.7g
Protein 57.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1618.7mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 2427.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.0%

Protein: 18.2%

Carbs: 21.8%