Creamy Marinara with Fresh Basil
Indulge in the luscious flavors of this Creamy Marinara with Fresh Basil, a comforting twist on classic marinara sauce that's perfect for pasta night. Made with a rich blend of crushed tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and sweet onion, this sauce is elevated with a splash of heavy cream and a pat of butter for a velvety smooth finish. Freshly chopped basil adds a burst of herbal brightness, while a hint of dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes bring subtle depth and warmth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this creamy tomato sauce is as versatile as it is delicious—serve it over your favorite pasta, use it as a decadent dipping sauce, or freeze it for an effortless weeknight meal. Perfect for lovers of easy, homemade Italian comfort food!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the tomato paste. Stir until the tomato paste is evenly incorporated.
Add the granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir well to combine.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Adjust to taste as needed.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it gently bubble for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy cream until fully combined. The sauce will take on a creamy orange hue.
Add the butter and stir until melted, which will enhance the sauce's richness.
Finally, stir in the freshly chopped basil, reserving a small amount for garnish, and let the sauce heat through for 2 more minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
Serve hot over cooked pasta or use as a dipping sauce, garnished with the reserved fresh basil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
263 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.0 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.0 g | 55% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 506 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.3 g | ||
| Protein | 2.9 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 54 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 431 mg | 9% | |
*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.
