5 Ingredient, 5 Minute Pasta Sauce

Posted by tomatowellness on June 10, 2014 in Food and Nutrition, Health, Tomato Products

By Robin Plotkin, RD, LD

At least once a week, you’ll see pasta on our dinner table. It’s a fan favorite in our house – it’s quick, easy and we usually have all the ingredients in the house, which is a bonus.

Pasta sauce is another story.

I’m a huge fan of it – I love it. In fact, my sauce to pasta ratio on any given dish is highly skewed in favor of the sauce, of course.  My husband used to love it but because it irritates his reflux, he generally takes a pass. My kid used to drink the stuff but has recently gone on a sauce moratorium and prefers only olive oil and Parmesan cheese.

Tired of preparing a bowl with sauce and two without (I know, first world problems, right?), I created this little sauce to appeal to the taste buds (and issues) of the household. It comes together very quickly and can be used for a multitude of dishes, so be sure to double or triple the recipe. Encourage the kids to join in on the fun for this recipe- it’s a perfect “1st dish” for a budding young cook to prepare (with assistance for safety, of course).

This sauce, mixed with our favorite chicken and apple sausage or meatballs and served with a salad (typically a Caesar variation) makes a family happy.

5 Ingredient, 5 Minute Pasta Sauce

Photo credit: Jaimi Ruisi

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

1, 15.5 oz can of fire roasted tomatoes

2 cloves of garlic, minced

Italian seasoning, to taste

Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

small handful of chopped fresh basil, if desired

Instructions:

1. In a small stock pot, mix tomatoes, garlic and seasonings.
2. Heat to a gentle simmer and turn heat to low.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings.
4. Spoon over prepared pasta. Add basil.

Robin Plotkin is a culinary nutritionist and registered dietitian who believes strongly in bringing nutrition into the kitchen to achieve a healthy life. Robin started her culinary and nutrition communications business in 2003 and provides food/ingredient driven marketing and public relations solutions as well as nutrition strategies to a diverse client base. Robin is a co-founder of Blog Brûlée, Editor-in-Chief at Robinsbite and is a contributing blogger to the Dallas Morning News Health Blog. In addition, she is the Kids in the Kitchen features editor at Healthy Aperture. She’s a wife, a mom to Ben, 4 and is pack leader to a gaggle of dogs and one turtle.

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