Julie’s Pasta Sauce Bases

Instructions

1. Basic Marinara Sauce
2. 1

   Combine crushed tomatoes, olive oil, onion, and garlic in a large saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add salt to taste and dash of cayenne pepper. Add additions if desired. Serve over hot, cooked pasta. Top with freshly grated Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese.

3. 2

   Additions if desired: meatballs, cooked Italian sausage, steamed zucchini or summer squash, chopped fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or whatever else you desire.

4. Basic Alfredo Sauce
5. 3

   Heat butter in saucepan. If using onion, add onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add flour. Stir well and cook over medium heat while stirring for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add broth, stirring well. Whisk in warmed milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring or whisking frequently until thickened. Add cheese and stir until well combined and melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauce can be used alone or stir in additions of choice.

6. 4

   Additions: 1 lb fresh spinach leaves, chopped; Sautéed mushrooms; Lightly steamed vegies of choice: broccoli, squash, asparagus; Cooked and diced chicken; Cooked, diced salmon; Shrimp; Crab or lobster; Chopped fresh herbs; Drained artichoke hearts; Cavendars Greek seasoning.