Imagine creating a restaurant-worthy pasta sauce with just three ingredients in under 20 minutes! This incredibly simple yet incredibly delicious Magic Three Ingredient Pasta Sauce is about to revolutionize your weeknight cooking. Whether you're a busy professional, a cooking novice, or someone who craves authentic Italian flavors without complicated techniques, this recipe is your secret weapon to a gourmet meal that will have everyone asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 4 cloves of garlic. Make sure you have a large skillet or saucepan ready for cooking.
- Peel and mince the 4 cloves of garlic. You can use a knife or a garlic press to achieve a fine mince. Set the minced garlic aside.
- In your large skillet or saucepan, pour in 1/4 cup of olive oil. Place the skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1-2 minutes, but do not let it smoke.
- Once the olive oil is heated, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- After the garlic has cooked, carefully pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir the mixture well to combine the garlic and oil with the tomatoes.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat back to medium-low to maintain a steady simmer.
- Let the sauce cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- While the sauce is simmering, you can prepare your pasta according to the package instructions. Choose your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and cook it until al dente.
- Once the sauce has thickened to your liking and the pasta is cooked, drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. This will allow the sauce to cling to the pasta better.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, and if desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Magic Three Ingredient Pasta Sauce with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad!
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for the best flavor profile.
- Keep the heat at medium-low when simmering to prevent burning and maintain a smooth sauce texture.
- Don't rush the garlic sautéing process - those 1-2 minutes are crucial for developing rich, aromatic flavors.
- For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried basil during cooking.
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water when combining.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving - a little salt can enhance the overall flavor.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so make a double batch for quick future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 2g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
