Presto Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, including liquid
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 6 basil leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
• Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 1 pound linguini, cooked according to package directions
• Freshly grated Locatelli pecorino Romano
• Serving suggestions: Green salad and crusty bread.

Directions

Transfer the tomatoes and liquid to a bowl and gently crush the tomatoes with your hands.

Heat the oil in a saucepan, set over moderate heat until hot. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and liquid, tomato sauce, basil, salt, and red pepper flakes, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Add sauce and toss to coat. Top with cheese. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread.

Variations: Mushroom Marinara Sauce: After onion and garlic have softened, add 1/2 pound fresh sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Continue with recipe as above.

Tuna Marinara Sauce: Add 1 can Italian tuna, packed in oil, including oil, after sauce has simmered 10 minutes, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Sausage Marinara Sauce: After onion and garlic have been softened, add 1/2 pound crumbled Italian (sweet or hot) sausage and cook, stirring, until no longer pink. Add tomatoes and continue with recipe as above.