Empty Nest Mummy
A Classic Italian-Inspired Tomato & Basil Sauce
A super tasty and really easy classic Tomato & Basil Sauce recipe for pasta. The recipe serves 2 adults or 2 starving hungry primary school kids. Pimp it up for Mum & Dad’s tea with some chilli. Make a double or triple batch and freeze it for homemade ready meals!
Servings Prep Time
2people 5minutes
Cook Time
35minutes
Servings Prep Time
2people 5minutes
Cook Time
35minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Wash the basil stalks and remove the leaves. Set the leaves aside for garnishing the dish at the end.
  2. Chop the basil stalks very finely.
  3. Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
  4. Put the olive oil into a good sized pan and add the basil stalks. Put onto a medium heat for around 5 minutes to let the basil infuse with the oil.
  5. Add the garlic slices to the pan and allow to soften slightly but not burn.
  6. Add the whole tomatoes and break gently with the back of a spoon. Stir together to mix well, put on a lid.
  7. When the sauce is starting to boil, remove the lid and turn the heat down a little. Leave to cook for 30 minutes and just remember to stir occasionally to avoid it burning or sticking.
  8. Break up the tomatoes a little more with the spoon, taste and season.
  9. Stir through cooked pasta. Garnish with some torn basil leaves and shavings of Parmesan.
  10. Can also be used on pizza bases, as a sauce for tomato-based curries and in chilli.